* 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


ITS  RESOURCES  AND  ATTRACTIONS 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/newbrazilitsresoOOwrig 


4/r/tyiicfUC  i907jnf  Sr.ffiaMit'  frctffi'i'Ul 


Dr.  affonso  augusto  moreira  penna 

ft*. 

& 

PRESIDENT 


OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  BRAZIL 


SECOND  EDITION,  REVISED  AND  ENLARGED 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 

ITS  RESOURCES  AND  ATTRACTIONS 

HISTORICAL,  DESCRIPTIVE,  AND  INDUSTRIAL 


BY 

MARIE  ROBINSON  WRIGHT 

MEMBER  OF  THE  GEOGRAPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  AMERICA,  GEOGRAPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  BRAZIL,  HISTORICAL  AND 
SCIENTIFIC  INSTITUTE  OF  SAO  PAULO,  GEOGRAPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  LA  PAZ 

AUTHOR  OF 

PICTURESQUE  MEXICO;  THE  REPUBLIC  OF  CHILE;  BOLIVIA;  THE  HISTORY  OF  PERU , ETC. 


PHILADELPHIA:  PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY 

GEORGE  BARRIE  & SONS 

LONDON:  C.  D.  CAZENOVE  & SON,  26  HENRIETTA  STREET,  COVENT  GARDEN,  W.  C. 

PARIS:  19  Rue  Scribe 


T. 


COPYRIGHT,  1907,  BY  GEORGE  BARRIE  & SONS 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY 


Hi-.  'Tffonso  Hugusto  ftlordva  }9cmta 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  BRAZIL 


WHOSE  ADMINISTRATION  MARKS  AN  EPOCH  OF  EXTRAORDINARY  PROGRESS  IN  THE  ANNALS  Oh  HIS  COUNTRY 

fs  DcMcatctJ 

THIS  BOOK  DESCRIPTIVE  OF  A NATION  THAT  HAS  GROWN  GREAT  AND  PROSPEROUS 
THROUGH  PEACEFUL  DEVELOPMENT 


ti 


- 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

DEDICATION 5 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 9 

INTRODUCTION ■ 13 

CHAPTER  I 

EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 17 

CHAPTER  II 

NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 39 

CHAPTER  III 

THE  FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  THE  GENESIS  OF 


THE  REPUBLIC 61 

CHAPTER  IV 

THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC  . 79 

CHAPTER  V 

THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN  . . 95 

CHAPTER  VI 

THE  PRESIDENT’S  CABINET 115 

CHAPTER  VII 

THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 129 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN  151 

CHAPTER  IX 

MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 165 


PAGE 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  STATE  OF  RIO 187 

CHAPTER  XI 

SAO  PAULO 203 

CHAPTER  XII 

SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 221 

CHAPTER  XIII 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO  . 235 


CHAPTER  XIV 

COFFEE 253 

CHAPTER  XV 

RAILWAY  TRAVEL  IN  SAO  PAULO 267 

CHAPTER  XVI 

MINAS  GERAES 279 

CHAPTER  XVII 

THE  MINES  OF  MINAS  GERAES 297 

CHAPTER  XVIII 

PARANA 31 1 

CHAPTER  XIX 

THE  YERBA  MATE  OF  PARANA 327 

CHAPTER  XX 

SANTA  CATHARINA 337 


7 


8 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  XXI 

RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 349 

CHAPTER  XXII 

THE  NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE,  AND  TRANS- 


PORTATION   365 

CHAPTER  XXIII 

AMAZONAS 379 


CHAPTER  XXIV 

THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY  397 


CHAPTER  XXV 

PARA 409 

CHAPTER  XXVI 

MARANHAO 423 

CHAPTER  XXVII 

MATTO  GROSSO,  GOYAZ,  AND  PIAUHY 429 

CHAPTER  XXVIil 

CEARA 435 


CHAPTER  XXIX 

RIO  GRANDE  DO  NORTE 439 

CHAPTER  XXX 

PARAHYBA  AND  SERGIPE 443 

CHAPTER  XXXI 

PERNAMBUCO 447 

CHAPTER  XXXII 

ALAGOAS  • • 455 

CHAPTER  XXXIII 

BAHIA 461 

CHAPTER  XXXIV 

ESPIRITO  SANTO 471 

CHAPTER  XXXV 

OLD  CHURCHES  AND  SHRINES 479 

L’ENVOI 487 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 


DR.  AFFONSO  AUGUSTO  MORE1RA  PENNA,  PRESI- 
DENT OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  BRAZIL  Fronts. 

MONUMENT  OF  PEDRO  ALVARES  CABRAL 17 

DOM  JOAO  VI.,  KING  OF  PORTUGAL,  BRAZIL,  AND 

ALGARVES 19 

DOM  PEDRO  L,  EMPEROR  OF  BRAZIL 21 

FOUNDATION  STONE  OF  RIO  DE  JANEIRO  ....  23 

ENTRANCE  TO  THE  HARBOR  OF  RIO 26 

DOM  PEDRO  II.,  EMPEROR  OF  BRAZIL 28 

RUSTIC  BRIDGE  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  THE  PRESI- 
DENT’S PALACE,  RIO 29 

CATTETE  PALACE,  RESIDENCE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT  . 30 

GRAND  SALON,  CATTETE  PALACE,  RIO 31 

RECEPTION  ROOM  IN  CATTETE  PALACE 33 

IN  THE  GARDENS  OF  CATTETE  PALACE 35 

STATUE  OF  DOM  PEDRO  I. 36 

PROCLAMATION  OF  THE  INDEPENDENCE  OF  BRAZIL  38 
STATUE  OF  THE  VISCOUNT  DE  RIO-BRANCO  ....  39 

YPIRANGA  MONUMENT,  SAO  PAULO 41 

INTERIOR  VIEW  OF  YPIRANGA 42 

CORRIDOR  OF  YPIRANGA 43 

NATIONAL  MUSEUM,  SAO  CHRISTOVAO,  RIO  ...  . 45 

THE  CROWN-PRINCESS  ISABEL 47 

VISCOUNT  DE  RIO-BRANCO 48 

DR.  ANTONIO  DA  SILVA  PRADO 49 

DR.  JOAO  ALFREDO  CORREA  DE  OLIVEIRA 51 

OLD  CARIOCA  AQUEDUCT,  RIO 52 

OLD  CARIOCA  AQUEDUCT  SEEN  FROM  BELOW  ...  53 

THE  GAVEA 55 

THE  ISLAND  OF  PAQUETA,  HOME  OF  ANDRADA  . - 56 

BRITISH  PLENIPOTENTIARY  DELIVERING  HIS  SOVER- 
EIGN’S RECOGNITION  OF  THE  EMPIRE  OF  BRAZIL  58 
PALACE  OF  AGRICULTURE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO  ....  60 

MONUMENT  OF  THE  DUKE  DE  CAXIAS 61 

THE  STOCK  EXCHANGE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 63 

THE  POST  OFFICE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 65 

MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 68 

RUA  DO  OUVIDOR,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 70 

THE  INSANE  ASYLUM,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 72 

A GLIMPSE  OF  THE  OLD  CARIOCA  SQUARE  ....  74 

VISTA  IN  THE  PARK,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 76 


PAGE 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 78 

STATUE  OF  GENERAL  OSORIO 79 

NATIONAL  MINT,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 81 

MARSHAL  FONSECA,  FIRST  PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL  . 83 

MARSHAL  PEIXOTO,  SECOND  PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL  85 

PRACA  DA  REPUBLICA,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 87 

MILITARY  SCHOOL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 89 

IN  THE  PASSEIO  PUBLICO,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO  ....  91 

COAT-OF-ARMS,  BRAZIL 92 

NATIONAL  TREASURY,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 94 

DR.  PRUDENTE  MORAES,  FIRST  CIVIL  PRESIDENT  . . 95 

DR.  CAMPOS-SALLES,  PRESIDENT,  1898-1902 97 

DR.  RODRIGUES  ALVES,  PRESIDENT,  1902-1906  ■ • • 99 

DR.  PECANHA,  VICE-PRESIDENT 101 

DR.  NABUCO,  AMBASSADOR  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  103 

DR.  RUY  BARBOSA 104 

DR.  QUINTINO  BOCAYUVA 105 

THE  SUPREME  COURT,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 107 

DR.  LAURO  MULLER 109 

ADMIRAL  MAURITY,  COMMANDER  OF  THE  FLEET  . . Ill 

DR.  FRANCISCO  ROSA  E SILVA 112 

PALMS  IN  GARDEN  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE,  RIO  . . 114 
SMALL  RECEPTION  ROOM,  ITAMARATY  PALACE  . . 115 

YELLOW  SALON  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE 116 

GARDEN  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE 1 17 

BARON  DE  RIO-BRANCO,  FOREIGN  MINISTER  ...  118 
GREEN  AND  GOLD  SALON,  ITAMARATY  PALACE  . . 119 

ITAMARATY  PALACE,  THE  FOREIGN  OFFICE  ....  120 

CORRIDOR  LEADING  TO  LIBRARY,  ITAMARATY  PALACE  121 
DR.  LYRA,  MINISTER  OF  JUSTICE  AND  INTERIOR  • . 1 21 

FACADE  OF  THE  LIBRARY,  ITAMARATY  PALACE  . - 122 

DR.  CAMPISTA,  FINANCE  MINISTER 123 

DR.  ALMEIDA,  MINISTER  OF  COMMERCE 123 

INTERIOR  OF  THE  LIBRARY,  ITAMARATY  PALACE  . - 124 

MARSHAL  FONSECA,  MINISTER  OF  WAR 125 

ADMIRAL  ALENCAR,  MINISTER  OF  MARINE 125 

THE  ROSE  SALON,  ITAMARATY  PALACE 126 

THE  AVENIDA  BEIRA-MAR,  RIO 128 

DR.  FRANCISCO  PEREIRA  PASSOS 129 

MONROE  PALACE,  RIO 130 

ARRIVAL  IN  RIO  OF  SECRETARY  ROOT  - 131 


9 


IO 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

BARON  DE  RIO-BRANCO,  OPENING  THE  THIRD  PAN- 


AMERICAN  CONGRESS  AT  RIO,  JUNE  27,  1906  • 132 

AVENIDA  BEIRA-MAR  FROM  THE  PRAIA  DA  LAPA  . 133 

THE  NEW  AVENIDA  CENTRAL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO  • ■ 1 34 

AVENIDA  CENTRAL,  LOOKING  TOWARD  BEIRA-MAR  1 35 

OBELISK  OF  THE  AVENIDA  CENTRAL 136 

CORCOVADO,  SEEN  FROM  AVENIDA  BEIRA-MAR  . • 137 

RUA  URUGUAYANA,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO 138 

PRAIA  DA  GLORIA,  SHOWING  RIO-BRANCO  STATUE  . 139 

MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  RIO 140 

GENERAL  AGUIAR,  PREFECT  OF  RIO 141 

AVENIDA  OF  PALMS  ON  THE  CANAL  DO  MANGUE  . 142 

DR.  OSWALDO  CRUZ 143 

CANAL  DO  MANGUE 145 

POLYTECHNIC  SCHOOL 147 

PRACA  DA  GLORIA 148 

CORCOVADO,  FROM  SYLVESTRE 150 

DR.  RODRIGUES,  DIRECTOR  OF  BOTANICAL  GARDEN  1 51 

THE  SUMMIT  OF  CORCOVADO 153 

SCENE  EN  ROUTE  TO  CORCOVADO 154 

GRAND  CASCADE  OF  TIJUCA 155 

A PATHWAY  IN  SYLVESTRE 156 

TIJUCA  FOREST 157 

HOTEL  INTERNACIONAL  AT  SANTA  THERESA  ....  158 

VISTA  AT  SYLVESTRE 159 

STREET  LEADING  TO  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN  ...  160 

SCENE  IN  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 161 

THE  BAMBOOS,  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 162 

“PEACE  AND  CONCORD.”  ALLEGORICAL  PAINTING 

BY  PEDRO  AMERICO 164 

STATUE  OF  JOSE  BONIFACIO  DE  ANDRADA  ....  165 

THE  BRAZILIAN  ACADEMY  OF  LETTERS 167 

GONCALVES  DIAZ 168 

THE  OLD  NATIONAL  LIBRARY 169 

THE  NEW  NATIONAL  LIBRARY 170 

BERNARDELLI  MODELLING  BUST  OF  DR.  PASSOS  • ■ 171 

PEDRO  AMERICO 172 

“HONOR  AND  COUNTRY.”  BY  PEDRO  AMERICO  . . 172 

PEDRO  WEINGARTNER 173 

“THE  COUNTRY  BALL.”  BY  PEDRO  WEINGARTNER  174 

THE  BERNARDELLI  BROTHERS 175 

“MANIOC.”  BY  MODESTO  BROCOS 175 

“DURING  THE  REST.”  BY  FERRAZ  D’ALMEIDA  . ■ 176 

CARLOS  GOMES 176 

DR.  MACHADO  DE  ASSIS 177 

OFFICE  OF  “JORNAL  DO  COMMERCIO,”  RIO  ...  . 178 
DR.  JOSE  CARLOS  RODRIGUES,  EDITOR-IN-CHIEF  OF 

THE  “JORNAL  DO  COMMERCIO” 180 

DR.  OLAVO  BILAC 181 

OFFICE  OF  THE  NEWSPAPER  “O  PAIZ,”  RIO  ....  182 

DR.  RODRIGO  OCTAVIO 183 

STATUE  OF  JOSE  DE  ALENCAR 184 

PETROPOLIS 186 

DP.  BACKER,  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RIO  . . 187 

ROUTE  TO  PETROPOLIS 188 

SUMMER  PALACE  OF  DOM  PEDRO  II.,  PETROPOLIS  . 189 

THE  AMERICAN  EMBASSY,  PETROPOLIS 190 

A MOUNTAIN  DRIVEWAY  IN  PETROPOLIS 191 

THE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY,  PETROPOLIS 192 

RIVER  SCENE  IN  PETROPOLIS 193 

GERMAN  LEGATION,  PETROPOLIS 194 

PRAIA  DE  ICARAHY,  NICTHEROY 195 

ANCHIETA  COLLEGE,  NOVA  FRIBURGO  196 


PAGE 


LYCEUM  AND  NORMAL  SCHOOL,  CAMPOS 197 

WATERFALL  AT  THEREZOPOLIS 198 

THREE-RAIL  TRACK  ON  LEOPOLDINA  RAILROAD  . . 198 

SACCO  DE  SAO  FRANCISCO,  SUBURB  OF  NICTHEROY  199 
DR.  FERREIRA,  SECRETARY  OF  GOVERNMENT,  STATE 

OF  RIO 200 

A MILITARY  REVIEW,  SAO  PAULO 202 

DR.  TIBIRICA,  PRESIDENT  OF  SAO  PAULO 203 

PALACE  OF  AGRICULTURE  AND  STATE  TREASURY  ■ 205 
DR.  BOTELHO,  SECRETARY  OF  AGRICULTURE  ...  206 

RUA  D1RE1TA,  SAO  PAULO 207 

DR.  ALBUQUERQUE  LINS,  SECRETARY  OF  FINANCE  . 208 
DR.  WASHINGTON  LUIZ,  SECRETARY  OF  JUSTICE  . . 209 

AVENIDA  TIRADENTES,  SAO  PAULO 210 

MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  SAO  PAULO 21 1 

PALACETE  ELIAS  CHAVES,  SAO  PAULO 211 

AVENIDA  PAULISTA,  SAO  PAULO 212 

RUA  SAO  BENTO,  SAO  PAULO 213 

MODERN  OFFICE  BUILDING,  SAO  PAULO 214 

SCENE  IN  THE  JARDIM  DA  LUZ,  SAO  PAULO  . ...  215 

THE  VACCINE  INSTITUTE,  SAO  PAULO 215 

GATEWAY  TO  THE  QUARTEL 216 

RESIDENCE  OF  COUNT  ALVARES  PENTEADO  ....  217 

SANTA  CECILIA,  A SUBURB  OF  SAO  PAULO 218 

PARK  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  SEMINARY 220 

DR.  GODOY,  SECRETARY  OF  THE  INTERIOR  ...  221 

EPISCOPAL  SEMINARY 223 

NORMAL  SCHOOL 224 

KINDERGARTEN,  SAO  PAULO 225 

PRUDENTE  MORAES  SCHOOL 226 

POLYTECHNIC  SCHOOL,  SAO  PAULO 227 

MODEL  SCHOOL  OF  BRAZ 227 

COLLEGE  OF  LAW,  SAO  PAULO 228 

MORAES  BARROS  SCHOOL 229 

MACKENZIE  COLLEGE 229 

MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL,  SAO  PAULO 230 

CORRIDOR  OF  MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL 231 

INSANE  ASYLUM  AT  JUQUERY 231 

MILITARY  HOSPITAL,  SAO  PAULO 232 

SCHOOL  OF  AGRICULTURE,  AT  PIRAC1CABA  ...  234 

PIRACICABA  CASCADE,  SAO  PAULO 235 

CLASS  AT  WORK,  SCHOOL  OF  AGRICULTURE  ...  237 
A PINEAPPLE  PLANTATION,  STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO  238 

MANGO  ORCHARD  AT  RIBEIRAO  PRETO 239 

GRAPE  CULTURE,  CAMPINAS 240 

RICE  GROWING  ON  A SAO  PAULO  PLANTATION  . 240 

WATERFALL  NEAR  BROTAS 241 

POWDERING  MANGO  TREES 242 

CUTTING  SUGAR  CANE,  SAO  PAULO 243 

WATERMELONS  READY  FOR  SHIPMENT  ■ 244 

GLIMPSE  OF  A SAO  PAULO  FOREST 245 

OFFICE  OF  COLONIZATION 243 

HOTEL  FOR  IMMIGRANTS,  SAO  PAULO 247 

A CHEERFUL  GROUP  OF  IMMIGRANTS 248 

COLONIST’S  HOUSE,  STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO 249 

FIRST  GLIMPSE  OF  THEIR  ADOPTED  LAND  . . 250 

HARVESTING  THE  COFFEE  CROP 252 

A COFFEE  TREE  AT  HARVEST  TIME 253 

FOREIGN  VISITORS  PICKING  COFFEE 255 

A TYPICAL  COFFEE  FAZENDA 256 

FAMILIAR  SCENE  ON  A COFFEE  PLANTATION  ....  257 

DRYING  COFFEE 258 

A STREET  IN  CAMPINAS 259 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 


WEIGHING  COFFEE  FOR  SHIPMENT  AT  SANTOS  • • 260 

LOADING  COFFEE  AT  SANTOS 261 

SENHOR  DOM  FRANCISCO  SCHMIDT 263 

AN  AVENUE  OF  COFFEE  TREES 264 

THE  SAO  PAULO  RAILWAY  STATION  “LUZ”  ...  266 

VIEW  OF  THE  CITY  AND  HARBOR  OF  SANTOS  ...  267 
VIADUCT  BETWEEN  SAO  PAULO  AND  SANTOS  269 

CABLE  ROAD  BETWEEN  SAO  PAULO  AND  SANTOS  • 270 

VIEW  ON  THE  SAO  PAULO  RAILWAY 271 

LIGHT  AND  POWER  STATION,  PARNAHYBA 272 

RAILWAY  AT  SANTOS,  SHOWING  THE  DOCKS  . - .273 

MAYRINK,  SHOWING  RAILWAY  WORKMEN’S  HOMES  . 274 

VIEW  ON  THE  SOROCABANA  LINE 275 

SOROCABANA  STATION  OF  BARRA  FUNDA 275 

SCENE  ON  THE  RIVER  TIETE 276 

THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE  AT  BELLO  HORIZONTE  - 278 
DR.  JO  AO  PINHEIRO  DA  SILVA,  PRESIDENT  OF  MINAS  279 
DEPARTMENT  OE  INTERIOR,  STATE  OF  MINAS  GERAES  281 

STREET  SCENE  IN  BELLO  HORIZONTE 282 

DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE,  BELLO  HORIZONTE  283 

COLLEGE  OF  LAW 284 

DEPARTMENT  OF  FINANCE 285 

BIRTHPLACE  OF  PRESIDENT  AFFONSO  PENNA  ...  286 
CHAMBER  OF  DEPUTIES,  BELLO  HORIZONTE  ....  287 

WATERFALL  IN  PARK,  BELLO  HORIZONTE 288 

OURO  PRETO,  FORMER  CAPITAL  OF  MINAS  GERAES  289 

JUIZ  DE  FORA,  MINAS  GERAES 290 

NATIONAL  CERAMIC  FACTORY,  MINAS  GERAES  ...  291 

THE  PARK  OF  CAXAMBU 292 

MINERAL  SPRING  “ISABEL  PRINCEZA” 293 

MINERAL  SPRING  “ DUQUE  DE  SAXE” 293 

THE  POST  OFFICE,  BELLO  HORIZONTE 294 

QUARRY  AT  MORRO  VELHO 296 

A DIAMOND  MINER’S  HUT 297 

DIAMANTINA,  MINAS  GERAES 298 

CHARITY  HOSPITAL  OF  DIAMANTINA 299 

A STREET  SCENE  IN  DIAMANTINA 300 

CONDUIT  FOR  DIAMOND  MINING  PURPOSES  ....  301 

WASHING  DIAMONDS 302 

SCENE  NEAR  MORRO  VELHO 303 

CASCADE  IN  THE  VICINITY  OF  BELLO  HORIZONTE  . 304 

ARASSUAHY  MINING  DISTRICT 305 

MINAS  NOVAS  MINING  DISTRICT,  MINAS  GERAES  . . 306 

MINAS  NOVAS,  MINAS  GERAES 307 

COLLEGE  OF  OUR  LADY  OF  SORROWS,  DIAMANTINA  308 

THE  FALLS  OF  IGUASSU 310 

THE  GYMNASIUM,  CURYTIBA 31 1 

RUA  QUINZE  DE  NOVEMBRO 312 

THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE 3(3 

PROVIDENCE  COLLEGE 314 

PRACA  GENERAL  OSORIO 315 

THE  HOUSE  OF  CONGRESS 315 

A PUBLIC  GARDEN 316 

THE  CATHEDRAL,  CURYTIBA 317 

VIADUCT  ON  THE  PARANA  RAILWAY 318 

VIEW  ALONG  THE  PARANA  RAILWAY 319 

THE  POST  OFFICE,  CURYTIBA 319 

THE  AMERICAN  CHURCH 320 

VINEYARD  OF  DR.  MOURA,  NEAR  CURYTIBA  ...  321 

STREET  SCENE  IN  PARANAGUA 321 

THE  MUNICIPAL  CHAMBER 322 

RUA  GENERAL  CARNEIRO 323 

RAILROAD  BRIDGE  OF  CASTRO 323 


PAGE 


PONTA  GROSSA,  PARANA  324 

WATERFALL  NEAR  CURYTIBA,  PARANA 326 

RIVER  BOAT  LOADED  WITH  YERBA  MATE 327 

INDIANS  CARRYING  YERBA  MATE  TO  THE  MILL  . . 328 

YERBA  MATE  TREES 329 

CATARACT  “ VISCONDE  DE  RIO-BRANCO,”  PARANA  . 330 
MAMMOTH  ROCKS  AT  VILLA  VELHA,  PARANA  ...  331 
TRANSPORTING  YERBA  MATE  FOR  SHIPMENT  ■ . 332 

MATE  BLOSSOMS  332 

CUYAS,  MATE  DRINKING  VESSELS 333 

PLANT  THAT  SUPPLIES  HIS  FAVORITE  BEVERAGE  . . 333 

BRIDGE  OVER  THE  IGUASSU  RIVER 333 

RAILWAY  STATION  AT  PONTA  GROSSA 334 

THE  PINES  OF  PARANA 334 

FLORIANOPOLIS,  CAPITAL  OF  SANTA  CATHARINA  . . 336 
STAIRWAY,  GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  FLORIANOPOLIS  337 

GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  FLORIANOPOLIS 338 

PRINCIPAL  PARK  OF  FLORIANOPOLIS 339 

A STREET  OF  THE  CAPITAL 340 

THE  MARKET  PLACE 341 

BOCAYUVA  AVENUE 341 

THE  MUNICIPAL  CHAMBER 342 

THE  CATHEDRAL 343 

FLORIANOPOLIS  FROM  THE  BAY 343 

THE  STATE  TREASURY 344 

THE  CUSTOM  HOUSE 345 

LAKE  AT  BLUMENAU,  SANTA  CATHARINA 345 

PICTURESQUE  CASCADE  IN  SANTA  CATHARINA  • • • 346 

DR.  BLUMENAU  STREET,  BLUMENAU 346 

PRACA  GENERAL  DEODORO,  PORTO  ALEGRE  ....  348 

CHURCH  IN  PORTO  ALEGRE,  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL  . 349 
GENERAL  VIEW  OF  PORTO  ALEGRE,  THE  CAPITAL  . 350 
INTERIOR  OF  GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  PORTO  ALEGRE  350 

DOCKS  AT  PORTO  ALEGRE 351 

MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  PORTO  ALEGRE 351 

A STREET  SCENE  IN  THE  CAPITAL 352 

THE  MUNICIPAL  CHAMBER 353 

PORTUGUESE  HOSPITAL  AND  CHURCH 354 

LYCEUM  AND  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 355 

RUA  MARECHAL  PEIXOTO 355 

THE  SCHOOL  OF  ENGINEERING 356 

A CENTRAL  THOROUGHFARE,  PELOTAS 357 

ENTRANCE  TO  THE  PARK,  PELOTAS 357 

QUARTEL,  CITY  OF  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 358 

THE  LANDING  PLACE 359 

A VIEW  OF  THE  PUBLIC  GARDEN 359 

MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL 360 

TAMANDARE  PARK 361 

LIGHTHOUSE  OF  ITAPOAN,  NEAR  PORTO  ALEGRE  ■ . 362 

TABATINGA,  MILITARY  POST 364 

OBSERVATION  ENGINE 365 

HALL  OF  ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  “ARAGUAYA”  - - 367 

ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  “ARAGUAYA” 369 

RIO  STATION,  CENTRAL  RAILWAY  OF  BRAZIL  ...  371 

BOA  VISTA  BRIDGE 372 

OFFICES  OF  LLOYD  BRAZILEIRO  STEAMSHIP  CO.,  RIO  373 
SALON  OF  ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  “ARAGUAYA”  . . 375 

TRANSPORTATION  ON  THE  RIO  NEGRO 376 

THE  JANGADA,  PRIMITIVE  TRANSPORTATION  ....  376 

AMAZONAS  THEATRE,  MANAOS 378 

STATUE  OF  TENREIRO  ARANHA 379 

COLONEL  NERY,  GOVERNOR  OF  AMAZONAS  ....  380 
PALACE  OF  JUSTICE,  MANAOS 381 


12 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


VESTIBULE  OF  THE  PALACE  OF  JUSTICE,  MANAOS  . 382 

PALACE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR 383 

PENITENTIARY 384 

RUA  MUNICIPAL 385 

THE  CATHEDRAL  386 

THE  GYMNASIUM - - . - 387 

AVENIDA  EDUARDO  RIBEIRO 388 

SYLVERIO  NERY  SCHOOL 389 

AMAZON  NAVIGATION  MONUMENT 390 

PUBLIC  ARCHIVES  AND  LIBRARY 391 

MONUMENT  OF  BARON  SANTA  ANNA  NERY  ....  392 

BENJAMIN  CONSTANT  INSTITUTE 393 

LANDING  FLOAT,  MANAOS  HARBOR 394 

MILITARY  QUARTEL,  MANAOS 395 

DR.  MANOEL  F.  SA  ANTUNES,  SECRETARY  OF  STATE, 

AMAZONAS 396 

PATIO  OF  THE  AFFONSO  PENNA  INSTITUTE,  MANAOS  396 

HUT  OF  A SERINGUEIRO,  ACRE 397 

MANAOS,  FROM  CONSTANTINOPOL1S 399 

STEAM  LAUNCHES  IN  THE  ALTO  PURUS,  ACRE  ...  400 
RUBBER  GATHERERS  IN  THE  AMAZON  COUNTRY  . . 401 
CUTTING  AND  CLASSIFYING  RUBBER,  MANAOS  ...  403 

THE  SAO  VICENTE 405 

TRANSPORTING  RUBBER  FROM  THE  ACRE 406 

PRACA  VISCONDE  DE  RIO-BRANCO,  PARA 408 

DR.  AUGUSTO  MONTENEGRO,  GOVERNOR  OF  PARA  . 409 

BOULEVARD  DA  REPUBLICA,  PARA 410 

PROCESSION,  FEAST  OF  NAZARETH 41 1 

GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  PARA 412 

THEATRE  DA  PAZ 413 

LAURO  SODRE  INSTITUTE 414 

B1TTENCOURT  INSTITUTE 415 

DR.  ANTONIO  LEMOS,  INTENDENTE  OF  PARA  ....  416 

THE  BOSQUE,  PARA 417 

OFFICE  OF  THE  NEWSPAPER  “A  PROVINCIA”  ...  418 

SMALL  SALA  IN  THE  MUNICIPAL  BUILDING 419 

ESTRADA  DE  SAO  JERONYMO,  PARA 420 

RESIDENCE  OF  GOVERNOR  MONTENEGRO 421 

CUSTOM  HOUSE,  PARA 422 

STATUE  OF  GONCALVES  DIAZ 423 

AVENIDA  MARANHENSE 424 

PRACA  JOAO  LISBOA 425 

RUA  DO  SOL 426 

COTTON  MILLS,  MARANHAO 427 

AVENIDA  SILVA  MAYO 428 

PICTURESQUE  COUNTRY  ROAD 429 

CHURCH  IN  CUYABA,  CAPITAL  OF  MATTO  GROSSO  • 431 

OX  TEAM,  PIAUHY 434 

LEGISLATIVE  CHAMBER,  FORTALEZA,  CEARA  ....  435 
RAILROAD  DEPOT,  CEARA 437 


PAGE 


RAILROAD  BRIDGE  OF  ACARAHU,  CEARA 438 

RUA  COMMERCIO,  NATAL 439 

RUA  SENADOR  JOSE  BONIFACIO,  NATAL 440 

CONVENT  OF  THE  SEVENTEENTH  CENTURY,  VILLA 

DE  ESTREMOZ 441 

QUARTEL,  NATAL 442 

INTERIOR  OF  CARMO  CHURCH,  PARAHYBA 443 

PALACE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR,  ARACAJU 444 

CATHEDRAL,  ARACAJU 445 

COTTON  MILLS,  SERGIPE 446 

DR.  SIGISMUNDO  ANTONIO  GONCALVES,  GOVERNOR 

OF  PERNAMBUCO 447 

PUBLIC  SQUARE,  SETE  DE  SETEMBRO 449 

AN  IMPORTANT  BUSINESS  STREET  IN  PERNAMBUCO  450 

RAMOS  QUAY  451 

SANTA  ISABEL  BRIDGE,  PERNAMBUCO 452 

HALL  OF  CONGRESS,  PERNAMBUCO 454 

RUA  COMMERCIO,  MACEIO 455 

PALACE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR,  MACEIO 456 

GENERAL  VIEW  OF  MACEIO 457 

BUSINESS  STREET,  MACEIO 458 

BAHIA.  VIEW  FROM  THE  UPPER  CITY 460 

MONUMENT  DOIS  DE  JULHO 461 

STREET  SCENE  IN  THE  UPPER  CITY,  BAHIA  ....  463 

GENERAL  VIEW  OF  BAHIA 465 

FACULTY  OF  MEDICINE,  BAHIA 467 

SCHOOL  OF  FINE  ARTS,  BAHIA 470 

COLONEL  HENRIQUE  DA  SILVA  COUTINHO,  PRESI- 
DENT OF  ESPIRITO  SANTO 471 

VICTORIA, CAPITAL  OF  THE  STATE  OF  ESPIRITO  SANTO  472 

PICTURESQUE  APPROACH  OF  VICTORIA 473 

A LAKE  SCENE  NEAR  VICTORIA 474 

PALHA,  A SUBURB  OF  VICTORIA 476 

INTERIOR  OF  THE  FRANCISCAN  CHURCH,  BAHIA. 

WOOD-CARVING  OF  THE  SEVENTEENTH  CENTURY  478 

SHRINE  OF  BOMFIM,  BAHIA 479 

HIS  EMINENCE  JOAQUIM  ARCOVERDE,  THE  FIRST 

CARDINAL  IN  SOUTH  AMERICA 481 

CHAPEL  OF  NOSSA  SENHORA  DA  GRACA,  BAHIA, 

BUILT  BY  PARAGUASSU 482 

CHURCH  OF  THE  CANDELARIA,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO  . ■ 483 
CHURCH  OF  NOSSA  SENHORA  DE  NAZARETH,  PARA  • 485 
RUINS  OF  CARMELITE  CONVENT  IN  OLINDA,  PER- 
NAMBUCO   486 

A POND  OF  VICTORIA  REGIA  LILIES 487 

AFTER  THE  HUNT 489 

A CONTENTED  SON  OF  THE  FOREST 491 

A GOOD  DAY’S  SPORT,  TAPIR  HUNTING  IN.  THE  RIO 

DOCE  COUNTRY 492 

THE  AMAZON  494 


INTRODUCTION 


EN  the  New  World  was  yet  in  the  dawn  of  its  development,  at  the  beginning 
of  the  nineteenth  century,  and  European  powers  controlled  the  destinies  of  a 
great  part  of  the  western  hemisphere,  Portugal  was  the  first  to  recognize  the 
claims  of  colonial  subjects  to  an  independent  share  of  the  world’s  trade.  In 
the  year  1808,  the  ports  of  Brazil  were  opened  to  commerce  with  all  nations 
and  Brazilian  products  were  carried  to  every  part  of  the  globe.  This  was  the  initial  step  in 
the  extensive  cultivation  of  foreign  relations  which  to-day  places  Brazil  among  the  leading 
countries;  and  it  is  fitting  that  the  Brazilian  people  should  honor  the  memory  of  the  Portu- 
guese monarch,  King  Dom  Joao  VI.,  by  celebrating  the  centennial  of  the  important  event 
brought  about  by  his  royal  command.  The  close  bond  of  sympathy  and  good  will  which 
exists  to-day  between  the  mother  country  and  her  emancipated  offspring  affords  the  world 
an  example  of  unity  such  as  is  possible  only  between  nations  of  common  origin  when  the 
sentiment  of  rejoicing  turns  their  thoughts  with  equal  pride  to  the  memory  of  the  same 
gracious  sovereign. 

The  development  of  an  essentially  modern  spirit  of  progress  and  enterprise,  which  has 
placed  the  people  of  Brazil  in  the  front  rank  among  the  leading  powers  of  the  New  World, 
and  which  so  dominates  the  national  life  at  the  present  moment  that  every  part  of  the  vast 
republic  is  responding  to  its  stimulating  influence,  shows  an  awakening  to  new  conditions 
and  a realization  of  larger  responsibilities  such  as  necessarily  distinguish  a great  nation 
thoroughly  aroused  to  the  importance  of  its  high  destiny.  It  is  this  spirit  which  has 
created  the  new  Brazil. 

In  earlier  periods,  the  same  national  character  was  expressed  through  a gentle  but 
unyielding  independence  and  patriotism  that  proved  itself,  upon  more  than  one  occasion, 
capable  of  achieving,  with  the  arms  of  peace  alone,  those  priceless  victories  of  liberty 
which  patriots  of  other  lands  have  been  able  to  win  only  at  the  cost  of  terrible  bloodshed. 
And  it  was  due  not  less  to  the  liberal  spirit  of  the  country’s  rulers  than  to  the  character 

13 


i4 


INTRODUCTION 


of  the  people  themselves  that  the  Portuguese  kingdom  of  Brazil  became  successively  an 
empire  and  a republic  without  the  horrors  of  war,  and  that  her  institutions  were,  from  the 
beginning,  established  on  a broad  and  liberal  basis. 

By  the  celebration  of  her  four  hundredth  anniversary,  in  1900,  Brazil  not  only  signalized 
her  wonderful  growth  and  development  from  apparent  insignificance  to  a position  of  great 
importance  among  the  nations,  but  also  marked  the  successful  inauguration  of  new  condi- 
tions, which  during  the  past  eight  years  have  been  strengthened  and  given  the  stability  of 
a permanent  force  in  moulding  the  national  life  to  accord  with  the  watchword  of  the 
people:  Order  and  Progress.  All  eyes  are  now  turning  toward  South  America,  as  they 
turned  toward  her  northern  neighbor  at  the  beginning  of  the  century  recently  closed;  and 
there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  phenomenal  growth  and  progress  which  marked 
the  history  of  the  United  States  of  America  during  the  nineteenth  century  will  be  duplicated 
during  the  present  one  by  her  young  republican  sister  and  friend — The  New  Brazil. 

Philadelphia,  November  25,  1907. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


CHAPTER  I 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


'T'HE  magnificence  of  nature’s  gifts  to  this 
1 great  country,  the  patriotic  and  genial 
qualities  that  distinguish  its  people,  and  the 
remarkable  course  of  its  political  history,  as 
a province,  a kingdom,  an  empire,  and  a 
republic,  are  all  to  be  considered  in  tracing 
the  development  of  Brazil  from  the  time 
of  the  discovery  to  the  present  day.  Of 
vast  extent  and  unrivalled  scenery,  it  is  a 
paradise  of  abundance  and  beauty.  Its 
majestic  rivers,  gigantic  forests,  spacious 
plains,  the  gorgeous  coloring  of  the  land- 
scapes, their  prodigal  adornment,  distinguish 
it  among  all  the  countries  of  the  world. 

It  was  certainly  a favoring  fortune  that 
guided  the  ships  of  the  Portuguese  naviga- 
tor, Pedro  Alvares  Cabral,  when  he  steered 
westward  out  of  his  course  to  avoid  the  dead 
monument  of  pedro  alvares  cabral.  calm  off  the  coast  of  Africa  and  was  wafted 

to  the  wonderful  “ Land  of  the  Southern 
Cross.”  That  he  became  the  discoverer  of  a new  continent,  and  set  in  the  royal  diadem 
of  Portugal  a gem  of  brilliant  lustre  destined  to  eclipse  the  crown  itself,  was  due  to  one  of 
those  happy  caprices  of  fate  which  visit  men  once  or  twice  in  a century.  A Spanish 
navigator,  Vicente  Yanez  Pinzon,  is  said  to  have  sighted  the  coast  of  Brazil  some  months 
earlier  than  Cabral,  passing  the  mouth  of  the  Amazon  River,  which  he  named  the  “ Fresh- 
water Sea”;  but  he  did  not  take  possession  of  the  newly  found  territory,  and  the  news 
of  its  discovery  is  said  to  have  reached  the  Old  World  first  through  Cabral.  Neither  of 

17 


i8 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


these  navigators  knew  that  he  had  discovered  the  western  continent,  Pinzon  believing  that 
he  had  reached  the  coast  of  India,  and  Cabral  that  he  had  discovered  only  an  island,  to 
which  he  gave  the  name  “Island  of  the  True  Cross,”  though  this  was  changed  the  next 
year  to  “Santa  Cruz,”  and  later  to  “Brazil,”  from  the  name  of  the  rich  dyewoods  that 
formed  part  of  all  cargoes  taken  out  of  the  country  during  the  early  years  of  its  colonization. 
When  this  name  came  to  be  popularly  applied  to  the  country,  all  efforts  to  preserve  the 
more  religious  appellative  failed,  much  to  the  disgust  of  the  Christian  fathers,  who  inveighed 
bitterly  against  the  cupidity  of  man,  so  interested  in  unworthy  traffic  as  to  bestow  upon  a 
land  once  christened  “The  Holy  Cross,”  a name  of  such  worldly  significance  as  “Brazil.” 
But  their  protest  was  of  no  avail,  as  the  name  of  “Santa  Cruz”  soon  became  lost  to  the 
records  and  “ Brazil  ” grew  into  universal  recognition. 

It  was  on  Good-Friday,  the  aad  of  April,  i^oo,  that  Cabral  first  landed,  taking  posses- 
sion of  the  country  in  the  name  of  the  King  of  Portugal.  The  point  of  disembarkation  was 
not  far  from  the  present  site  of  Bahia,  at  what  is  known  as  Porto  Seguro.  On  Sunday,  the 
26th  of  April,  an  altar  was  erected,  and  the  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in  Brazil  by  Friar  Hen- 
rique,  of  Coimbra.  A few  days  later,  the  fleet  left  the  harbor,  proceeding  on  its  way  to  the 
Indies,  having  put  ashore  in  the  newly  discovered  territory  two  degrad  ados  [mutineers]. 

It  was  not  until  King  Manoel  of  Portugal  later  sent  out  expeditions  to  explore  the 
so-called  island  that  the  extent  and  possibilities  of  the  new  discovery  began  to  be  appre- 
ciated. Between  1^01  and  1^04  two  fleets  were  dispatched  from  Portugal:  the  first,  under 
Andre  Gongalves,  sailed  along  the  coast  from  Cape  Sao  Roque  southward ; and  the  second, 
under  Gongalo  Coelho,  proceeded  from  Bahia  southward.  In  the  latter  expedition  sailed 
the  Florentine  cosmographer,  Amerigo  Vespucci,  who  was  the  first  to  learn  that  the  new 
discovery  was  not  a part  of  the  coast  of  India,  but  a great  western  continent,  separate  and 
apart  from  Asia, — a New  World.  His  memory  is  immortalized  in  the  name  “America,”  which 
was  first  given  to  Brazil,  then  extended  to  include  all  South  America,  and  finally  became 
the  title  of  the  entire  New  World.  When  the  first  republic  was  created  in  America,  its 
constitution  gave  it  the  name  of  “The  United  States  of  America,”  and  its  people  generally 
claim  the  title  of  “Americans,”  though  South  Americans  do  not  recognize  this  monopoly  of 
a name  to  which  the  discoverer  gave  them  a prior  claim.  They  invariably  refer  to  the 
people  of  the  United  States  as  “North  Americans.”  During  the  voyage,  Vespucci  built  a 
fort  at  Cape  Frio,  and  Coelho  another  at  Rio  de  Janeiro, 'though  both  efforts  proved  useless, 
as  they  were  demolished  by  the  Indians.  Vespucci  returned  to  Lisbon  in  1^04,  and  one  of 
his  letters,  still  extant,  is  the  first  published  document  about  the  new  country,  which  he 
describes  as  a “terrestrial  paradise.”  It  seems  incredible,  in  the  light  of  modern  ideas,  that 
during  the  ten  years  of  exploration  which  followed  Columbus’s  discovery,  and  in  spite  of 
all  the  evidences  of  an  unclaimed  land,  of  virgin  soil  and  primeval  forests,  whose  inhabitants 
were  too  barbarous  to  be  classed  with  the  civilized  Asiatics,  the  early  navigators  should 
have  persisted  in  believing  they  were  in  an  ancient,  rich,  and  powerful  monarchy  of  the 
Orient.  Certainly  Vespucci  deserves  credit  for  his  greater  discernment. 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


19 


Meantime  the  Brazilian  coast  was  explored  from  Cape  Sao  Roque  to  Maranhao  by  a 
Portuguese  navigator  Joao  Coelho,  and  the  same  year  a Portuguese  expedition  made 
a survey  southward,  extending  the  discoveries  to  the  Rio  de  la  Plata  and  Patagonia. 
Nearly  all  the  Portuguese  fleets  sailing  for  the  Indies  at  this  time,  put  into  port  somewhere 
along  the  coast  of  Brazil.  Years  before  any  systematic  attempt  at  colonization  was  made, 
there  existed  settlements  under 
the  control  of  Portuguese  new- 
comers who  had  made  friends 
with  the  natives  and  were  liv- 
ing on  good  terms  with  them. 

In  some  instances,  the  colonists 
were  survivors  of  shipwrecks, 
while  others  were  sailors  left 
on  shore  as  a punishment  for 
misdemeanors. 

Of  the  earliest  arrivals, 
among  whom  were  the  ances- 
tors of  some  of  the  best  fami- 
lies of  Brazil  to-day,  three  are 
especially  noted  for  their  influ- 
ence upon  the  civilization  of 
that  time,  Duarte  Peres,  Joao 
Ramalho,  and  Diogo  Alvares 
Correa.  Peres  was  a nobleman, 
who  had  been  transported  to 
the  island  of  Cananea  in  1^01, 
and  who  afterward  became 
a power  in  colonial  affairs. 

Ramalho  arrived  in  Brazil  in 
1 £ 1 2,  a shipwrecked  soldier  of 
fortune.  Making  his  way  to 
the  camp  of  the  mighty  chief 
Tibiriga,  he  not  only  received  a 
kindly  welcome,  but  was  given 

the  chiefs  daughter  in  marriage.  From  this  union  was  founded  the  sturdy  race  of 
“ Mamelucos,”  as  the  pioneer  Paulistas  were  called,  who  lent  valuable  assistance  to  the 
Portuguese  crown  in  its  efforts  to  colonize  the  present  State  of  Sao  Paulo  and  neighboring 
provinces.  Diogo  Alvares  Correa,  celebrated  as  “Caramuru,”  was  shipwrecked  off  the 
coast  of  Bahia  in  ijio,  and  his  remarkable  rescue  and  romantic  marriage  to  the  Indian 
maiden  Paraguassu  gave  rise  to  a popular  legend  of  a Brazilian  Pocahontas,  which  is  one 


HIS  MAJESTY  DOM  JOAO  VI..  KING  OF  PORTUGAL.  BRAZIL.  AND  ALGARVES. 


20 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


of  the  most  picturesque  tales  that  embellish  the  pages  of  Brazilian  chronicles.  Diogo 
Alvares  Correa,  in  company  with  eight  of  his  countrymen,  was  shipwrecked  off  the  coast 
of  Bahia  while  on  a voyage  from  Portugal  to  the  Indies.  All  his  companions  were  killed 
and  devoured  by  the  savages,  who  had  reserved  Alvares  for  their  last  morsel;  but  as 
they  approached  to  seize  him,  he  fired  a shot  from  a musket  which  he  had  saved  from 
the  ship,  which  so  terrified  the  Indians  that  they  fled  in  all  directions,  shouting  “ Caramuru ! 
Caramuru  1”  which  means  “man  of  fire.”  Among  the  spectators  of  this  extraordinary 
scene  was  the  beautiful  maiden,  Paraguassu,  the  daughter  of  the  most  powerful  chief 
of  the  Tupinamba  Indians.  Filled  with  admiration  for  the  brave  “Caramuru,”  and  realizing 
that  although  he  had  succeeded  for  the  moment  in  warding  off  the  attack  of  her  people, 
yet  he  must  inevitably  fall  a victim  to  their  cruelty  if  some  effort  were  not  put  forth  to 
save  his  life,  she  went  to  her  father  and  interceded  for  him  herself,  with  such  effective 
pleading  that  the  great  chief  became  Caramuru’s  protector  and  friend.  Inspired  with 
gratitude  and  affection  for  the  Indian  princess,  Diogo  Alvares  married  her.  He  took  her 
to  France,  where  King  Henry  II.  and  Queen  Catherine  de  Medicis  received  her,  and  wit- 
nessed her  baptism,  the  queen  acting  as  godmother  and  bestowing  upon  the  little  Indian 
girl  her  own  name,  after  which  both  the  king  and  queen  witnessed  her  marriage  to  Diogo. 
Their  union  is  a matter  of  history,  and  their  descendants  are  to-day  among  the  most 
influential  families  of  Bahia.  Paraguassu  lived  to  be  a hundred  years  old,  and  at  her  death 
her  mortal  remains  were  placed  in  the  monastery  of  Nossa  Senhora  da  Graga,  in  Bahia. 
Alvares  made  friends  with  the  Indians,  and  through  his  influence  with  them  became  one  of 
the  most  powerful  personages  of  Brazil  during  the  early  days  of  its  colonization.  He  aided 
materially  in  the  settlement  of  the  capitania  of  Bahia,  where  he  established  his  family  at  the 
place  since  called  “ Villa  Velha,”  maintaining  a position  of  importance  second  only  to  that  of 
the  governor-general  himself.  In  the  ancient  registry  of  deaths  in  the  cathedral  of  Bahia 
was  recorded:  “On  the  5th  day  of  October,  1C57,  died  Diogo  Alvares  Correa  Caramuru,  of 
the  hamlet  of  Pereira;  he  was  buried  in  the  monastery  of  Jesus;  leaving  for  his  executor, 
Joao  de  Figueiredo,  his  son-in-law.” 

The  first  successful  effort  to  colonize  Brazil  was  made  when  King  Joao  III.  divided  the 
new  territory  into  parallel  strips,  each  strip  extending  along  fifty  leagues  of  coast  and  of 
unlimited  extent  inland,  and  gave  them  as  hereditary  grants,  under  the  name  “ Capitanias,” 
to  such  of  his  followers  as  would  undertake  their  settlement;  the  title  to  the  capitania  giving 
full  power  of  jurisdiction,  both  civil  and  criminal.  The  first  capitania  was  founded  by  Martim 
Affonso  de  Souza,  who  arrived  in  Brazil,  in  15^1,  with  a fleet  and  four  hundred  colonists. 
He  stopped  first  at  Bahia,  then  in  the  harbor  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  the  following  year  he 
pursued  his  course  as  far  south  as  La  Plata  and  founded  the  colonies  of  Sao  Vicente  and 
Piratininga,  in  the  present  state  of  Sao  Paulo.  He  sent  troops  into  the  interior  in  search  of 
gold,  but  they  were  driven  back  and  killed  by  the  Guarany  Indians.  In  his  efforts  at 
colonization  he  was,  as  previously  stated,  greatly  aided  by  the  “Mamelucos,”  or  Paulistas, 
who  were  invincible  in  courage  and  energy,  as  their  descendants  have  been  from  that  day 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


21 


to  the  present.  The  colony  of  Piratininga  was  founded  on  the  site  of  the  present  city  of 
Sao  Paulo  in  the  Mameluco  territory  of  Sao  Andre,  and  Joao  Ramalho,  the  son-in-law  of  the 
chief  Tibiriga,  was  appointed  its  first  governor.  The  name  Tibiriga  is  borne  to-day  by 
descendants  of  the  great  chief,  and  is  among  the  most  honored  in  Brazil.  Soon  after 
establishing  the  colony  of  Sao 
Vicente,  Martim  Affonso  de 
Souza  imported  sugar  cane 
from  the  Madeira  Islands  and 
it  was  cultivated  with  great 
success.  Another  grantee, 

Duarte  Coelho,  who  founded 
the  capitania  of  Pernambuco 
about  this  time,  introduced  the 
sugar  cane  into  that  province, 
with  what  marvellous  results  is 
generally  known.  In  addition 
to  the  capitanias  founded  by 
the  two  grantees  just  referred 
to,  Martim  Affonso’s  brother, 

Pero  Lopes  de  Souza,  took 
his  fifty  leagues  in  two  allot- 
ments, one  of  which  joined 
his  brother’s,  and  was  called 
Sao  Amaro,  and  the  other  ad- 
joining Duarte  Coelho’s  on 
the  north.  Vasco  Fernandes 
Coutinho  founded  Espirito 
Santo;  Pedro  de  Campo Tou- 
rinho,  Porto  Seguro,  afterward 
merged  into  another  State; 

Francisco  Pereira  Coutinho 
founded  the  capitania  from  Sao 
Francisco  to  Bahia.  Others 
were  founded  later,  but  all 

were  finally  made  tributary  to  a central  government,  though  maintaining  the  office  of 
ouvidor  [magistrate],  with  authority  second  only  to  that  of  the  governor. 

In  1 5^39,  Orellana  made  a voyage  down  the  Amazon  River  from  Peru,  by  order  of 
Pizarro.  He  was  eight  months  on  the  journey,  and  the  thrilling  stories  of  adventure  which 
he  related  in  an  account  of  his  experiences  during  that  time  outrival  some  of  the  boldest 
tales  of  ancient  heroes.  It  was  from  his  account  of  the  warrior-women  of  the  Amazon  that 


DOM  PEDRO  1.,  EMPEROR  AND  PERPETUAL  DEFENDER  OF  BRAZIL. 


22 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


the  river  received  its  name,  though  his  story  is  not  the  only  record  of  the  existence  of  such 
a tribe.  He  related  that  there  lived  in  the  forests  of  the  Amazon  country  a great  and 
powerful  tribe  of  woman-warriors  who  ruled  over  a large  territory,  and  were  invincible  in 
battle.  They  were  described  as  very  tall,  robust,  fair,  with  long  hair  twisted  over  their 
heads,  skins  around  their  loins,  and  bows  and  arrows  in  their  hands. 

Regarding  this  story,  it  may  be  remarked,  in  passing,  that  it  has  been  told  in  substance 
by  nearly  all  the  early  explorers  of  that  region.  La  Condamine,  the  great  French  scientist,  on 
his  return  home  after  a voyage  of  exploration  in  the  Amazon  country,  wrote  a pamphlet 
on  the  subject,  expressing  his  belief  in  the  existence  of  these  women.  He  located  their 
headquarters  on  the  upper  Rio  Negro.  Humboldt  also  seems  to  have  believed  in  them, 
and  tells  in  all  seriousness  the  account  given  him  by  the  Indians  about  a “community  of 
women  who  made  sarbacanas  [blow-guns]  and  other  weapons  of  war,  and  who  once  a 
year  admitted  to  their  society  the  men  of  the  neighboring  tribe,  whom  they  sent  back  with 
presents  of  sarbacanas.  All  the  male  children  of  these  women  were  killed  in  infancy.” 
Another  authority  says  regarding  them:  “They  are  women  of  great  valor,  who  have  always 
kept  themselves  from  ordinary  intercourse  with  men ; and  even  when  these,  according  to 
agreement,  come  every  year  to  their  land,  they  receive  them  armed  with  bows  and  arrows, 
which  they  brandish  for  a time  till  assured  that  the  men  come  peaceably;  then  throwing 
down  their  weapons,  they  rush  to  the  canoes,  and  each  one  lays  hold  of  a hammock,  carrying 
it  to  her  house  along  with  its  owner,  who  is  to  be  her  guest  for  a few  days — after  which  the 
men  are  sent  back  to  their  own  country,  returning  every  year  at  the  same  time.  The  female 
children  resulting  from  this  union  are  brought  up  by  the  Amazons,  the  males  being  given  to 
their  fathers  the  next  year  or  else  killed.” 

Southey  gives  the  following  record  of  Orellana’s  adventures  with  the  Amazon  women, 
and  of  a battle  that  took  place  in  their  territory : “ Fray  Gaspar  affirmed  that  ten  or  twelve 
Amazon  women  fought  at  the  head  of  these  people,  who  were  subject  to  their  nation,  and 
maintained  the  fight  desperately,  because  anyone  who  fled  in  battle  would  be  beaten  to 
death  by  these  female  tyrants.”  And  then  follows  Orellana’s  description  of  these  women, 
said  to  have  been  obtained  by  questioning  the  Indians:  “They  lived  after  the  manner  of 
the  Amazons  of  the  ancients,  and  possessed  gold  and  silver  in  abundance.  There  were  in 
their  dominions  five  temples  of  the  sun,  all  covered  with  plates  of  gold;  their  houses 
were  of  stone,  and  their  cities  walled.”  From  which  it  would  seem  either  that  Orellana 
made  a very  “free  translation”  indeed  of  the  Indians’  language,  or  that  the  Indians  played 
extravagantly  upon  Orellana’s  credulity. 

Dr.  Barbosa  Rodrigues,  Director  of  the  Botanical  Gardens  at  Rio,  relates  a story  that  is 
still  told  in  the  region  of  the  Jamunda  River:  “ Long  ago,  some  women  who  had  abandoned 
the  men  of  their  tribe  came  down  the  river  Jamunda.  The  men,  discontented,  followed 
them,  but  numberless  obstacles  barred  their  way  so  that  they  could  never  overtake  the 
women:  sometimes  the  thorns  formed  dense  thickets  in  the  forests;  again,  ferocious 
animals  protected  the  flight  of  the  fugitives,  howling  monkeys  pelted  their  pursuers, 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


23 


and  curupira  [spirit-voices]  led  them  astray.  At 
husbands  and  lovers  and  received  them, — but  as 
their  society  once  a year, 
these  unions,  only  the 
by  the  mothers,  and  only 

*«• 

dren  were  held  worthy  to 
cious  talisman,  a jade,  or 
Amazon,’  which  they  called 
There  is  an  interesting 
the  manner  in  which  the 
this  sacred  talisman.  It  is 
the  year  and  during  a certain 
came  to  the  lake  near  the 
a festival  dedicated  to  the 
of  the  Amazon  Stone,”  who 
having  purified  themselves 
tival,  which  was  expiatory, 
late  at  night  when  the  moon 
received  from  this  “ Mother 
whatever  shape  they  de- 
which  hardened  when  ex- 
that  it  could  not  change, 
vasions  that  continually 
it  was  deemed  necessary  to 
ment  in  Brazil,  and,  in  1^49, 
pointed  governor-general, 
criminal.  He  founded  the 
Bahia  the  same  year,  and 
to  a bishopric,  remaining  the 
official  residence  of  the  gov- 


length,  the  women  took  pity  on  their 
vassals, — promising  to  admit  them  to 
Of  the  children'  born  of 
females  were  to  be  retained 
the  fathers  of  female  chil— 
be  presented  with  the  pre- 
‘ sacred  green  stone  of  the 
the  muira-kitan 
tradition  about  the  jade,  and 
Amazon  women  secured 
said  that  at  a certain  time  of 
quarter  of  the  moon  they 
Jamunda  River  to  celebrate 
moon,  and  to  the  “Mother 
dwelt  in  this  lake.  After 
for  some  days  by  this  fes- 
they  dived  into  the  water 
was  reflected  in  the  lake  and 
of  the  Amazon  Stone,”  in 
sired,  the  precious  gem, 
posed  to  the  sunlight,  so 
In  consequence  of  the  in- 
threatened  the  new  colony, 
establish  a central  govern- 
Thome  de  Souza  was  ap- 
with  full  powers,  civil  and 
city  of  Sao  Salvador  de 
two  years  later  it  was  raised 
government  capital  and  the 
ernor-general 
for  more  than 
two  hundred 
years,  until 
transferred  to 
* Rio  de  Janeiro 


FOUNDATION  STONE  OF  RIO  DE  JANEIRO.  jf|  \ h()2.  Rapid 

progress  was 

made  during  the  four  years  of  Souza’s  government.  Sugar  plantations  were  laid  out  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  capital,  the  city  was  substantially  built  up,  and  much  good  was  accomplished 
both  for  the  colonists  and  the  natives.  The  moral  and  religious  training  of  the  Indians  was 


24 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


confided  to  missionary  priests  of  the  Jesuit  order,  which  had  recently  been  founded  by 
Ignatius  Loyola,  the  most  distinguished  for  their  labors  in  this  field  being  Fathers  Anchieta  and 
Nobrega,  known  as  the  “Apostles  of  Brazil.”  Father  Anchieta  began  his  work  in  Bahia 
and  Father  Nobrega  in  Sao  Vicente  (where  he  established  the  Jesuit  College  of  Sao  Paulo, 
from  which  the  present  city  of  Sao  Paulo  received  its  name),  but  the  two  priests  finally 
united  their  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Indians  of  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas  Geraes.  The  first 
bishop  of  Brazil,  Dorn  Pedro  Fernandes  Sardinha,  arrived  in  Bahia  January  i,  1772,  and 
remained  four  years.  Attempting  to  return  to  Lisbon  he  was  shipwrecked,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  cannibals,  and  was  put  to  death.  Tradition  says  that  the  scene  of  his  martyrdom 
was  reduced  from  a green  and  fertile  spot  to  an  arid  place  where  nothing  would  grow. 

In  1773,  Thome  de  Souza  was  succeeded  as  governor-general  of  Brazil  by  Duarte  de 
Costa,  who,  after  five  years,  gave  the  reins  of  government  to  his  successor,  Mem  de  Sa,  one 
of  the  most  distinguished  and  capable  of  the  Brazilian  governors-general.  During  the  rule  of 
Mem  de  Sa,  a colony  of  French  Protestants  was  sent  out  by  Admiral  Coligny  at  the 
suggestion  of  a French  adventurer,  Villegaignon,  who  urged  the  advantages  to  accrue  to 
Protestantism  from  the  establishment  of  a colony  on  the  beautiful  bay  of  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
which  should  be  a place  of  refuge,  where  all  would  have  freedom  and  protection  in  the 
worship  of  God.  Hundreds  of  Huguenots  eagerly  joined  the  expedition,  which  sailed  for 
Brazil  in  search  of  religious  liberty  three-fourths  of  a century  before  the  Pilgrim  fathers 
embarked  for  the  New  England  coast  on  a similar  quest.  Had  Villegaignon  been  less 
despotic  in  his  methods,  or  more  sincere  in  his  undertaking,  results  might  have  been  vastly 
different.  But  he  turned  against  his  followers,  many  of  whom  went  back  to  France  in 
despair,  arriving  in  time  to  prevent  the  exodus  of  ten  thousand  of  their  fellow  country- 
men, who  were  ready  to  sail  for  Brazil.  Mem  de  Sa  seized  the  opportune  moment  in 
which  to  strike  at  the  French  stronghold  on  the  island  of  Villegaignon,  and,  reinforced 
by  colonists  from  Sao  Paulo,  Sao  Vicente,  Espirito  Santo,  and  Bahia,  he  succeeded  in 
dislodging  the  enemy  and  driving  them  from  the  country.  He  then  founded  the  city 
of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  the  present  capital  of  Brazil,  in  the  year  1767.  In  1772,  Diogo 
Laurengo  de  Veiga  became  governor-general,  and  the  colonies  enjoyed  a few  years  of 
prosperity,  until  the  union  of  the  crowns  of  Spain  and  Portugal  by  Philip  II.  of  Spain  in 
1 780  made  Brazil  a Spanish  possession,  neglected  and  at  the  mercy  of  invading  adventurers 
of  all  nations. 

From  information  furnished  by  Father  Anchieta,  in  1787,  there  were  at  this  time  in 
Brazil  about  27,000  white  persons:  12,000  at  Bahia,  8,000  at  Pernambuco,  270  at  Itamarca, 
1,700  at  Porto  Seguro,  770  at  Espirito  Santo,  770  at  Rio,  1,700  at  Sao  Vicente.  There  were 
more  than  13,000  negro  slaves,  and  of  that  number  10,000  were  in  Pernambuco  where  the 
trade  was  introduced  by  the  earliest  colonists,  3,000  being  at  Bahia.  The  population  of 
civilized  Indians  was  estimated  at  about  19,000.  The  total  population  under  colonial  juris- 
diction was  about  77,000.  Sergipe,  founded  in  1790,  and  Para,  in  1617,  were  among  the 
capitanias  settled  at  this  period. 


entrance  to  the  harbor  OF  RIO. 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


27 


The  indifference  shown  by  Spain  toward  Brazil  was  chiefly  due  to  the  fact  that  this 
colony  was  not  then  producing  such  enormous  mineral  wealth  as  the  colonies  of  Mexico 
and  Peru, — especially  Alto  Peru,  where  the  rich  silver  mines  of  Potosi  were  in  the  zenith  of 
their  production, — and  all  the  mother-country’s  attention  was  absorbed  by  her  more  pros- 
perous offspring.  The  result  of  this  indifference  was  perhaps  not  so  disastrous  as  a selfish 
interest  might  have  been,  since  the  new  colony  gained  in  self-reliance  what  it  lost  in 
protection,  and  learned  to  fight  its  own  battles. 

To  this  day  there  exist  in  Brazil  evidences  of  the  invasions  of  the  period  between 
1^80  and  1640,  of  which  the  most  important  in  its  influence  upon  the  country  was  that 
of  the  Dutch,  who  first  came  over  in  1624,  were  defeated  in  their  efforts  to  hold  Bahia, 
the  Brazilian  capital,  and  retired,  but  only  to  return  in  1630,  when  they  made  a more 
successful  attack  and  took  possession  of  Olinda  and  Recife  (Pernambuco).  The  Brazilians, 
under  General  Mathias  de  Albuquerque,  at  once  began  a determined  fight  against  them  that 
lasted  for  twenty-four  years,  during  which  the  Dutch  added  greatly  to  their  possessions, 
though  they  were  repeatedly  checked  by  the  Brazilians,  who  fought  every  inch  of  territory 
with  unexampled  bravery.  Under  the  Dutch  general  Prince  Maurice  de  Nassau,  the 
invaders  succeeded  in  extending  their  dominions  from  Rio  Real  at  the  south  to  Maranhao 
at  the  north,  their  leader  founding  on  the  island  of  San  Antonio  the  town  of  Mauritzstadt, 
which  became  a flourishing  centre,  and  is  to-day  one  of  the  quarters  of  Recife.  Prince 
Maurice  was  sincere  and  determined  in  his  efforts  to  establish  a successful  Dutch  colony 
in  the  new  country,  and  invited  thither  many  renowned  artists  and  savants,  the  city  of 
Olinda  becoming  quite  a celebrated  centre  of  learning,  the  seat  of  the  university  and  a 
metropolis  of  wealth  and  fashion.  But  when  liberty  of  commerce  was  secured  from  the 
States-General,  limiting  the  West  India  Company’s  monopoly  to  the  importation  of  slaves 
and  war  ammunition  and  the  exportation  of  dyewoods,  the  enemies  of  this  measure  began 
to  plot  for  the  prince’s  downfall,  and  his  great  power  became  weakened  through  political 
strife.  During  this  time  Holland  sent  her  greatest  sailors  to  Brazil,  among  them  Piet 
Heyn,  who  was  defeated  by  the  Brazilians  in  an  effort  to  seize  Victoria,  in  the  province  of 
Espirito  Santo. 

When  the  Spanish  union  with  Portugal  was  broken,  in  1640,  and  the  Duke  of  Braganza 
was  proclaimed  King  of  Portugal  under  the  title  of  Dom  Joao  IV.,  an  armistice  was  signed 
between  Holland  and  Portugal.  ‘It  did  not,  however,  prevent  the  Brazilians  from  persisting 
in  their  efforts  to  drive  out  the  invaders,  and,  in  1642,  the  people  of  Maranhao  rose  in  revolt, 
followed  by  the  Pernambucans  in  164^.  During  this  war  were  fought  the  two  famous 
battles  of  Guararapes,  in  1648-1649,  which  were  won  by  the  Brazilians,  who  gained  posses- 
sion of  the  main  strongholds  of  the  enemy  and  forced  their  leader,  General  van  Schoppe,  to 
capitulate,  all  the  fortresses  still  occupied  by  the  Dutch  being  by  the  terms  of  capitulation 
turned  over  to  the  King  of  Portugal.  Many  Brazilian  soldiers  distinguished  themselves 
in  this  war.  The  battles  of  Guararapes  were  won  under  the  generalship  of  Barreto  de 
Menezes;  Fernandes  Vieira  gained  an  important  victory  at  Tabocos,  and  Vidal  de  Negreiros, 


28 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


at  Casa  Forte.  Luiz  Barbalho,  the  Indian  Camarao,  and  the  negro  Henrique  Dias  were 
conspicuous  for  their  heroism.  Even  the  Brazilian  woman  had  her  share  in  the  war. 

Donna  Clara  Camarao,  wife  of 
the  brave  chief,  placed  herself 
at  the  head  of  a company  of 
heroic  women,  who  fought 
nobly  in  defence  of  Pernam- 
buco, and  rendered  good  ser- 
vice to  their  country  in  driving 
back  the  enemy. 

Portugal  separated  from 
Spain  in  1640,  and  Brazil  was 
divided  into  two  great  govern- 
ments, called  States;  to  the 
north  was  the  State  of  Maran- 
hao,  composed  of  Para  and 
Maranhao,  and  to  the  south, 
the  State  of  Brazil  (with  its 
capital  at  Bahia),  taking  in  all 
the  rest  of  the  territory  and 
including  the  governments  of 
Pernambuco,  Bahia,  and  Rio  de 
Janeiro.  The  State  of  Brazil 
was  made  a viceroyalty  in  1640, 
and  about  fifty  years  later,  in 
1694,  the  first  mint  was  estab- 
lished at  Bahia,  after  which  it 
was  removed  to  Rio,  and  still 
later  to  Pernambuco.  It  was 
in  order  to  guarantee  the  safety 
of  the  money  that  it  was  coined  at  different  places.  It  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  send 
large  amounts  to  any  great  distance,  on  account  of  the  imperfect  facilities  for  transportation, 
and  so  the  plan  was  adopted  of  removing  the  mint  to  each  capital  in  turn,  until  a sufficient 
supply  had  been  coined  for  the  whole  country,  after  which  the  mint  ceased  to  exist. 

During  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth  centuries,  the  Paulistas,  who  were  the  pioneers 
of  Brazil  in  the  centre  and  south  of  the  empire,  advanced  far  into  the  interior  in  search  of 
gold,  and  to  extend  their  conquest  over  the  Indians,  whom  they  forced  to  labor  on  their 
plantations  along  the  coast.  In  this  way,  they  founded  the  provinces  of  Minas  Geraes, 
Goyaz,  Matto  Grosso,  Santa  Catharina,  and  the  northern  part  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul.  They 
drove  out  the  Spanish  Jesuits  established  in  the  east  of  Parana,  and  forced  them  to  abandon 


DOM  PEDRO  II.,  EMPEROR  OF  BRAZIL. 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


29 


their  claims,  and  to  take  refuge  with  their  confreres  in  the  province  of  Tape  (Rio  Grande  do 
Sul).  Afterward  the  Jesuits  were  pursued  even  to  this  retreat,  and  made  to  evacuate  their 
missions.  Successful  in  these  efforts,  the  victors  then  drove  the  Spaniards  out  of  all  the 
country  east  of  the  Uruguay,  though  the  Jesuits  afterward  returned  and  established  new 
missions.  A long  struggle  ensued  between  the  Paulistas  and  the  Jesuits,  the  latter  claiming 
the  right  to  protect  the  Indians  from  slavery,  while  the  former  asserted  that  this  right  was 
used  for  purposes  of  profit  by  the  Church.  In  1640  the  Paulistas  seized  the  Indians 
working  in  the  Jesuit  college  of  Sao  Paulo  and  expelled  the  order  from  that  province.  Bulls 
from  the  pope  and  orders  from  the  king  were  alike  ignored,  and  when  called  upon  to  swear 
allegiance  to  King  Joao  IV.,  who  had  just  been  restored  to  the  throne  of  Portugal,  these 
redoubtable  warriors,  who  had  refused  to  submit  to  Spanish  rule  when  the  crowns  of 
Spain  and  Portugal  were  united  in  1 ^80,  declared  their  independence,  and  brought  forward 
one  Amador  Bueno  to  be  their  king.  He  himself  frustrated  their  purpose,  however,  at  the 
moment  of  his  proclamation,  by  calling  out:  “Long  live  King  Joao  IV.,  our  rightful  sover- 
eign!” The  chief  cause  of  this  rebellious  attitude  of  the  Paulistas  lay  in  their  animosity 
toward  the  Jesuits,  a feeling  shared  by  the  colonists  of  Para  and  Maranhao,  who  also 


RUSTIC  BRIDGE  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  THE  PRESIDENT’S  PALACE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


expelled  the  order;  and  in  this  course  they  had  a powerful  ally  in  the  great  prime  minister  of 
Portugal,  the  Marquis  de  Pombal,  who  awaited  only  a favorable  opportunity  to  crush  this 


3° 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


priesthood,  which  he  believed  to  be  a menace  to  the  best  interests  of  the  crown.  The 
propitious  hour  came  in  connection  with  the  settlement  of  a dispute  regarding  the  Colonia 


CATTETE  PALACE.  RESIDENCE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL. 


do  Sacramento,  which  had  been  founded  by  the  Portuguese  colonists  in  1680  on  the  left 
bank  of  the  river  La  Plata  and  which  was  the  source  of  numerous  quarrels  with  Spain,  till 
finally,  by  the  treaty  of  Madrid,  in  1770,  it  was  ceded  by  Portugal  to  Spain  in  exchange  for 
the  territory  of  the  Jesuit  missions  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Uruguay  River.  The  Jesuits  were 
not  satisfied  with  this  arrangement  and  incited  the  Indians  to  resist  it,  with  the  result  that  a 
war  was  begun  to  reduce  them  to  subjection.  This  gave  the  opportunity  which  the  minister 
Pombal  had  long  desired,  and  he  ordered  the  expulsion  of  the  whole  order  from  Brazil 
in  1779.  At  the  same  time  he  secured  the  signature  of  King  Jose  I.  to  laws  which  put  an 
end  to  the  slave  trade  in  Indians.  The  treaty  of  Madrid  was  afterward  broken,  and  the 
dispute  over  the  possession  of  the  colony  began  again,  lasting  for  some  years,  during  which 
several  battles  were  fought  with  varying  results.  Finally,  an  agreement  was  made  by 
which  Spain  kept  the  colony,  giving  up  certain  lands  that  had  been  seized  by  her  during  the 
war,  and  renouncing  claims  to  other  territory  within  the  disputed  limits. 

With  the  discovery  of  her  rich  mines  about  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  Brazil 
entered  upon  a period  of  continuous  development.  The  tide  of  the  Portuguese  immigration, 
which  had  hitherto  been  directed  almost  exclusively  to  Bahia,  Pernambuco,  and  northern 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


A 


Brazil,  began  to  turn  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  through  which  lay  the  shortest  route  to  the  gold 
fields.  Every  ship  brought  out  increasing  numbers  of  fortune  seekers;  many  came  with 
their  families,  and  Rio  grew  rapidly  in  social  and  commercial  importance.  In  1762  it  became 
the  colonial  capital,  an  honor  which  Bahia  had  held  from  the  time  of  the  first  appointment 
of  a governor-general  to  Brazil  in  1749.  The  division  of  the  country  into  two  States  was 
abolished  in  1777,  when  the  State  of  Maranhao  was  joined  to  that  of  Brazil.  In  the  original 
capitanias  various  changes  had  been  made;  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas,  which  had  been  united  in 
1709,  were  separated  in  1720;  Santa  Catharina  became  a province  in  1738;  Goyaz  and  also 
Matto  Grosso,  in  1748;  and  Rio  Negro,  in  1777.  Para  and  Maranhao,  which  had  composed  the 
northern  State  of  Maranhao,  were  separated  in  1777.  The  condition  of  the  colony  improved 
constantly,  and  with  the  increasing  wealth,  which  came  as  a result  of  great  agricultural  and 
mineral  production,  the  people  began  to  devote  more  attention  to  their  political  well-being. 
Throughout  the  entire  country  there  were  evidences  of  the  discontent  which  is  a sure  sign 
of  political  growth. 

An  important  conspiracy  for  independence  was  discovered  and  crushed  in  Minas  Geraes 
in  1789,  the  leaders  being  exiled,  with  the  exception  of  one,  Silva  Xavier,  “ Tiradentes,”  who 


GRAND  SALON,  CATTETE  PALACE. 


was  executed.  The  history  of  this  revolution  is  particularly  interesting,  as  it  not  only  shows 
the  influence  of  the  American  and  the  French  revolutions  upon  the  patriotic  spirits  of  Brazil, 


32 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


but  also  illustrates  how  much  more  effective  was  the  Portuguese  method  of  dealing  with 
the  malcontents  than  that  adopted  by  the  English  and  the  French  monarchies  under  similar 
circumstances.  The  immediate  cause  of  the  conspiracy  was  the  alarm  awakened  by 
measures  which  the  government  was  taking  to  collect  taxes  that  the  people  were  unable  to 
pay  because  of  a falling  off  in  the  revenues  of  the  mines,  their  chief  source  of  income.  In 
the  midst  of  this  crisis,  there  arrived  from  Portugal  a young  Minas  student  named  Jose  Alves 
Maciel,  one  of  a group  of  ardent  patriots,  who,  fired  by  the  example  of  the  French  and  the 
North  Americans,  had  taken  a solemn  pledge  to  devote  their  lives  to  the  cause  of  Brazilian 
liberty.  One  of  his  fellow  students  had  gone  so  far  as  to  address  Thomas  Jefferson,  then 
American  Minister  to  Paris,  asking  the  support  of  the  United  States  in  the  cause  of  Brazilian 
independence.  Maciel  took  advantage  of  the  situation  in  Minas  to  advance  his  theories 
regarding  the  necessity  for  the  political  regeneration  of  Brazil,  having  met  in  Tiradentes  a 
kindred  spirit,  aflame  with  ideas  of  independence.  The  real  leader  of  the  plot  was,  however, 
a brother-in-law  of  Maciel  named  Francisco  de  Paula  Freire  de  Andrada,  though  it  is  said 
the  plan  originated  at  the  house  of  the  poet,  Thomas  Antonio  Gonzaga,  from  which  it  has 
been  called  “a  dream  of  students  and  a conspiracy  of  poets.”  It  was  chiefly  through 
Freire  de  Andrada’s  influence  that  the  leading  conspirators  were  saved  from  the  gallows  and 
that  their  sentence  was  commuted  to  exile,  as  he  was  connected  with  two  of  the  noblest 
families  of  Portugal,  high  in  favor  at  court.  The  unfortunate  Tiradentes  was  made  the 
scapegoat,  and  the  full  weight  of  the  penalty  fell  upon  him.  He  was  beheaded  and  quartered, 
his  head  was  exposed  in  the  public  square  of  Ouro  Preto,  his  house  was  burned  to  the 
ground,  and  his  family  disgraced  to  the  third  generation.  He  was  only  a secondary  character 
in  the  forming  of  the  plot,  but  he  won  immortal  fame  by  his  sufferings  and  death;  and  the 
name  of  “Tiradentes”  is  to-day  inscribed  in  the  annals  of  Brazilian  history  as  belonging  to 
one  of  her  greatest  heroes, — the  first  republican  who  shed  his  blood  in  the  cause  of  Brazilian 
independence.  A fitting  monument  to  his  memory  marks  the  spot  of  his  martyrdom,  bear- 
ing on  its  pedestal  his  motto:  “ Libertas  quae  sera  tamen,”  and  the  dates  1789-1889,  the 
year  of  the  conspiracy  and  the  year  of  the  establishment  of  the  present  republic  of  Brazil. 
Just  a century  later!  The  wise  policy  of  the  Portuguese  government  in  dealing  with  this 
outburst  against  its  authority,  was  shown  by  the  remission  of  all  the  taxes  claimed,  and  the 
abolition  of  a salt  monopoly  which  had  long  been  a special  grievance.  Had  the  home-gov- 
ernment refused  to  grant  any  concessions  to  the  discontented  colonists  and  rested  satisfied 
with  having  punished  the  conspirators,  the  outcome  might  have  been  a revolution  as  deter- 
mined and  successful  as  that  which  won  the  independence  of  the  United  States  and  of 
France.  Portugal  secured  the  loyalty  of  her  colonists  by  yielding  to  their  just  and  righteous 
demands. 

But  the  national  sentiment  was  growing  strong  and  determined  in  favor  of  less 
restrictive  rule  on  the  part  of  the  mother-country.  With  increasing  wealth  arose  the  neces- 
sity for  greater  liberty  of  commerce;  it  began  to  be  felt  a great  hardship  that  none  but 
Portuguese  ships  were  allowed  in  Brazilian  waters,  and  that  imported  articles  had  to  be 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


33 


paid  for  at  such  extravagant  prices  as  to  be  beyond  the  means  even  of  the  wealthiest 
people.  It  was  not  unusual  to  find  a home  richly  furnished  with  gold  and  silver  plate,  yet 
without  such  simple  necessities  as  glass  tumblers,  steel  knives  and  forks,  books,  stationery, 
and  other  articles  of  ordinary  use.  Such  a condition  of  affairs  was  unbearable  to  a people 
who  had  contributed  an  important  share  of  its  wealth  to  the  mother  country,  and  who  felt 
they  had  a right  to  a fuller  recognition  of  their  political  importance.  Just  at  the  period 
when  this  sentiment  was  reaching  its  limit,  and  when  a serious  crisis  threatened  the  peace 
of  the  country,  an  event  of  the  greatest  importance  occurred,  which  changed  the  whole 


A RECEPTION  ROOM  IN  CATTETE  PALACE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


aspect  of  the  national  politics  and  brought  about,  by  the  stroke  of  a pen,  the  great  blessing 
of  free  commerce  for  which  the  people  had  been  contending  bitterly,  and  apparently 
hopelessly,  for  many  years. 

When  Napoleon’s  army  descended  upon  Portugal,  in  1807,  the  prince  regent,  Dom  Joao, 
who  ruled  in  the  name  of  his  mother,  Queen  Maria  I.,  of  Portugal,  realizing  the  impossibility 
of  offering  successful  resistance  to  the  invading  force,  sought  refuge,  with  all  the  royal 
family,  in  Brazil,  and  arrived  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  on  March  8,  1808.  On  two  previous  occa- 
sions, when  disaster  threatened,  it  had  been  suggested  that  the  seat  of  the  Portuguese 
government  should  be  transferred  to  Brazil, — in  1736,  by  Dom  Luiz  da  Cunha,  and  in  1761, 


34 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


by  the  Marquis  de  Pombal ; but  the  danger  having  passed  before  arrangements  were  com- 
pleted, the  change  had  been  postponed.  It  came  at  the  most  opportune  moment  for  Brazil. 

The  prince  regent,  with  the  royal  family  and  a large  retinue,  landed  first  at  Bahia.  He 
was  a monarch  of  noble  presence  and  by  his  conduct  ever  showed  himself  to  be  a worthy 
and  gracious  prince  deserving  of  the  loyalty  and  love  of  his  subjects.  Gentle  in  disposition, 
he  was  just,  tolerant  in  religion,  and  of  high  moral  character.  His  first  act  endeared  him  to 
the  colonists,  who  welcomed  his  coming  with  every  demonstration  of  joy.  He  did  not 
wait  to  reach  the  capital,  but  from  Bahia  issued  the  Carta  Regia , dated  January  28,  1808,  in 
which  it  was  decreed  that  the  ports  of  Brazil  were  from  that  date  opened  to  the  trade  of  all 
nations,  the  home  government  to  retain  no  more  than  a moderate  duty  on  imports,  while 
exports  under  any  flag  wefe  permitted,  of  all  articles  except  one  or  two,  which  were  still 
reserved  as  royal  monopolies.  To  Brazil  this  Carta  Regia  meant  the  destruction  of  all 
fetters  on  industrial  and  commercial  development  and  the  opening  up  of  glorious  possibilities 
for  the  nation,  which,  within  the  century  that  has  passed  since  that  memorable  event,  it 
has  amply  realized. 

Not  only  did  the  prince  regent  open  the  Brazilian  ports  to  foreign  commerce,  but  he 
encouraged  the  free  development  of  every  kind  of  industry  by  all  classes  of  Brazilians 
(under  the  colonial  system  permission  was  grudgingly  given  to  manufacture  a few  articles 
of  coarse  quality,  for  slaves,  from  the  cotton  which  grew  in  the  country);  established  the 
printing-press,  which  had  been  inhibited  in  Brazil  up  to  this  time  because  of  its  supposed 
dangerous  effects;  built  a gunpowder  factory;  established  a royal  treasury  and  a council  of 
finance  to  regulate  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  national  income;  created  the  Bank 
of  Brazil ; instituted  a school  of  anatomy,  surgery,  and  medicine,  annexed  to  the  Royal  Mili- 
tary Hospital ; and  founded  a chemical  laboratory,  and  a quarantine  lazaretto  for  contagious 
diseases  brought  from  foreign  ports.  About  this  time,  vaccination  was  introduced  by  the 
Marquis  de  Barbacena,  who  made  the  first  experiment  on  his  own  son  (the  Viscount  de 
Barbacena,  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  who  died  recently  at  one  hundred  and  four  years  of  age, 
having  seen  his  country  develop  as  a province,  a kingdom,  an  empire,  and  a republic). 
In  1814,  the  first  national  library  was  opened  to  the  public,  a new  treasury  and  mint  were 
completed,  a new  custom  house  was  erected,  and  the  city  of  Rio  was  built  up,  and  beau- 
tified by  parks  and  gardens.  The  following  year,  the  royal  decree  was  issued,  naming  the 
new  seat  of  government  the  “ Kingdom  of  Brazil,”  forming,  with  the  other  possessions, 
the  “ United  Kingdoms  of  Portugal,  Brazil,  and  Algarves.”  Just  at  this  time,  Queen  Maria  I. 
died,  and,  after  a year’s  mourning,  the  acclamation  of  Dorn  Joao’s  succession  took  place; 
the  royal  arms  were  adopted  as  suitable  to  designate  the  new  kingdom,  and  by  royal  decree 
were  added  to  those  of  Portugal  and  Algarves,  consisting  of  an  armillary  sphere  of  gold  in 
a field  azure,  with  an  escutcheon  containing  the  Quinas  of  Portugal  and  the  seven  castles 
of  Algarves  placed  on  the  sphere,  surmounted  by  the  royal  crown. 

The  acclamation  ceremony  took  place  on  the  5th  of  February,  1818.  The  mode  of 
enthroning  monarchs  by  acclamation  was  among  the  most  ancient  usages  of  the  Portuguese 


EARLY  HISTORY  AND  TRADITION 


3S 

people,  dating  as  far  back  as  the  early  part  of  the  twelfth  century,  when  the  first  Affonso 
was  acclaimed  king  by  his  soldiers  after  his  victory  over  the  Moors.  The  ceremony,  in 
earlier  times,  consisted  in 
the  king  standing  on  a 
shield  which  was  then 
lifted  above  the  heads  of 
his  soldiers,  who  pro- 
claimed him  their  king; 
but  later  the  shield  was 
dispensed  with,  and  at 
the  coronation  of  Dorn 
Joao  VI.  the  ceremony 
was  chiefly  religious,  the 
acclamation  being  made 
in  a loud  voice  as  the 
royal  standard  was  un- 
furled after  the  celebra- 
tion of  Mass  in  the  chapel 
royal:  “Royal,  royal,  royal,  by  the  very  high  and  very  powerful  Senhor,  King  Dom  Joao  VI., 
our  sovereign!”  The  acclamation  was  accompanied  by  the  pealing  of  bells,  the  music  of 
military  bands,  explosions  of  artillery,  fire-works,  and  deafening  vivas! 

Almost  during  the  whole  period  of  Dom  Joao’s  residence  in  Brazil,  his  armies  were 
engaged  in  war  in  the  Banda  Oriental.  Finally,  a succession  of  victories  for  his  troops 
resulted  in  the  demoralization  of  the  Uruguayan  forces  and  the  flight  of  their  leader  into 
Paraguay.  The  Banda  Oriental  was  then  united  by  federation  with  the  kingdom  of  Brazil, 
under  the  name  of  the  “Cisplatine  Province,”  in  1821. 

Meantime,  there  was  trouble  brewing  in  the  mother-country.  The  commerce  of  Portugal 
was  suffering  in  consequence  of  the  opening  of  Brazilian  ports,  and  there  was  considerable 
jealousy  felt  toward  this  young  “upstart  colony”  which,  since  it  had  been  raised  to  the  dignity 
of  a kingdom  and  had  become  the  residence  of  the  royal  family,  threatened  to  take  away  the 
laurels  of  the  parent  kingdom.  Consequently,  after  the  close  of  Napoleon’s  wars,  when  Spain 
and  Italy  had  set  the  example  by  demanding  the  organization  of  constitutional  governments, 
the  Portuguese  followed  in  their  lead  and  insisted  on  the  convocation  of  the  Cortes  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  a constitutional  charter.  One  of  the  first  acts  of  this  body  was  to  publish 
a manifesto  in  which  all  the  evils  existing  in  the  form  of  reduced  revenues  and  a general 
retrograde  movement  in  Portuguese  affairs  were  traced  to  the  residence  of  the  royal  family  and 
court  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  instead  of  at  Lisbon,  and  the  opening  of  the  ports  of  Brazil  to  the  vessels 
of  all  nations,  which  threatened  the  extinction  of  the  manufactures  and  commerce  of  Portugal. 

The  sympathies  of  the  European  residents  and  the  military  in  Brazil  were  with  the 
Cortes;  and  King  Joao  was  induced  through  their  influence  to  sign  a decree  stating  that  he 


36 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


would  return  to  Portugal  and  leave  the  kingdom  of  Brazil  in  charge  of  his  son,  Dom  Pedro, 
as  regent,  until  the  general  constitution  of  the  Portuguese  nation  should  be  established.  But 
the  Brazilians  opposed  the  departure  of  the  king,  and  having  good  reason  to  fear  that  the 
new  constitution  to  be  framed  by  the  Cortes  would  be  constructed  in  such  a manner  as  to 
favor  Portugal  at  the  expense  of  Brazil,  they  decided  that  the  Spanish  constitution  should 
be  the  one  adopted,  and  sent  a deputation  to  the  king,  requiring  its  immediate  acceptance. 
King  Joao  gave  his  royal  assent,  anxious  to  conciliate  all  parties  and  having  constantly  in 
mind  the  unhappy  fate  of  the  French  King  Louis  XVI.  The  day  after  he  had  received  the 
Brazilian  deputation,  the  king  issued  a decree  annulling  all  that  had  been  enacted  the  previous 
evening;  conferred  the  dignity  and  attributes  of  regent  on  Dom  Pedro,  and  formed  a new 
ministry,  in  which  the  Count  of  Arcos,  chief  adviser  and  confidant  of  Dom  Pedro,  was  made 
Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  and  of  the  Interior  and  Justice.  Two  days  afterward,  King  Joao 
embarked  for  Portugal,  accompanied  by  a large  suite. 

It  is  related  that  in  the  final  interview  with  his  son  at  the  palace  of  Sao  Christovao,  the 
king,  who  looked  upon  the  independence  of  Brazil  as  already  assured,  thus  counselled 
the  young  prince:  “ Pedro,  if  such  an  event  should  occur,  put  the  crown  on  thine  own  head 
before  some  adventurer  lays  hold  of  it.”  And  in  one  of  a published  collection  of  his  letters, 
written  during  the  war  of  independence,  Dom  Pedro  reminds  his  father  of  this  advice,  and 
even  recalls  the  place  and  the  room  where  their  conversation  on  this  subject  was  held. 
Dom  Pedro  acted  upon  his  father’s  advice;  but  when  he  put  on  the  crown  of  Brazil,  it 
meant  a new  regime,  which  limited  the  power  of  the  monarch  and  gave  larger  liberties  to 
the  people. 


STATUE  OF  DOM  PEDRO  E 


PROCLAMATION  OF  THE  INDEPENDENCE  OF  BRAZIL  ON  THE  FIELD  OF  YPIRANGA. 


CHAPTER  II 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


''T'HE  Prince  Dom  Pedro  became  regent  of 
A the  empire  at  twenty-two  years  of  age. 
He  was  handsome,  active,  energetic,  fond  of 
hunting  and  all  outdoor  sports,  had  a taste 
for  mechanics,  loved  the  arts,  particularly 
music,  in  which  he  excelled.  In  1 8 1 8 he 
married  the  Archduchess  Leopoldina  of  Aus- 
tria, and  of  this  union  there  were  two  chil- 
dren, Dom  Joao  Carlos,  Prince  de  Beira, 
who  died  in  childhood,  and  Donna  Maria  de 
Gloria,  afterward  Queen  Maria  II.  of  Portugal. 

From  the  first  establishment  of  the  re- 
gency, the  Portuguese  element  in  the  new 
country  seems  to  have  been  in  constant 
opposition  to  all  liberal  efforts  on  the  part 
of  the  government  in  behalf  of  Brazil.  It 
insisted  on  the  dismissal  of  the  Count  of 
Arcos  from  the  ministry,  the  placing  of  the 
army  under  the  authority  of  a military  com- 
mission, and  the  appointment  of  a junta 
statue  OF  THE  viscount  de  Rio-BRANco.  responsible  to  the  Cortes  of  Lisbon,  without 

whose  approbation  no  law  should  be  pro- 
mulgated or  any  important  business  decided  upon.  Dom  Pedro  acceded  to  all  these 
demands;  but  when,  in  addition,  the  Cortes  of  Lisbon  passed  a law  that  all  the  provinces 
should  be  detached  from  the  central  government  at  Rio,  and  made  subject  directly  to  the 
administration  of  Portugal,  he  became  incensed  by  the  efforts  made  to  nullify  his  power 
and  reduce  Brazil  again  to  the  condition  of  a mere  colony.  Added  to  this  was  the  trying 

39 


40 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


dilemma  in  which  he  found  himself  in  consequence  of  the  financial  embarrassment  of  the 
country.  Notwithstanding  its  advantages,  the  establishment  of  the  Portuguese  court  in  Rio 
had  not  been  an  unmixed  blessing.  A host  of  impecunious  followers  had  come  over  with 
the  royal  family,  caring  nothing  for  the  progress  of  Brazil,  regarding  their  stay  as  merely 
temporary,  and  desirous  of  enriching  themselves  at  the  expense  of  the  Brazilian  treasury. 
The  extravagance  of  the  court  was  enormous,  and  the  household  of  the  royal  family  alone 
cost  the  country  annually  over  half  a million  pounds  sterling.  Besides  this  the  king  made 
many  gifts  to  his  followers,  which  had  a depleting  effect  on  the  treasury.  Then,  when  his 
Majesty  returned  to  Portugal,  accompanied  by  his  entire  suite,  numbering  about  three  thou- 
sand, they  exchanged  all  the  paper  money  in  their  possession  for  bullion,  so  that  the  Bank 
of  Brazil  was  reduced  to  embarrassing  straits,  the  government  debt  to  the  bank  at  that  time 
amounting  to  considerably  more  than  the  actual  capital  of  the  institution.  This  financial 
stress  was  keenly  felt  by  the  regent,  who  wrote  to  his  father:  “There  are  no  longer  any 
funds,  and  I do  not  know  how  to  obtain  them.’’ 

The  people  of  Brazil  did  not  feel  particularly  friendly  toward  their  Portuguese  cousins, 
because  of  the  arbitrary  attitude  which  the  latter  assumed  toward  them;  and  when  two 
despotic  decrees,  sent  from  Portugal  by  the  Cortes,  were  received  at  Rio,— one  of  them 
commanding  the  organization  of  a provisional  government  which  should  reduce  the  country 
again  to  the  condition  of  a province,  and  the  other  ordering  the  immediate  return  of  the 
prince  regent,  Dom  Pedro,  to  Portugal, — the  spirit  of  rebellion  blazed  up  in  one  consuming 
outburst;  the  newspapers  were  filled  with  revolutionary  editorials  and  letters;  and  the 
people  of  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas  Geraes  spoke  in  united  voice  against  what  was  termed  “an 
illegal,  impious,  and  impolitic  measure.’’  An  address  drawn  up  in  the  name  of  these  two 
States  by  Dom  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada,  containing  the  following  indignant  protest,  best 
shows  the  state  of  feeling  that  prevailed:  “How  dare  those  deputies  of  Portugal,  without 
deigning  to  wait  for  the  concurrence  of  those  of  Brazil,  legislate  on  a matter  which  involves 
the  most  sacred  interests  of  the  entire  kingdom?  How  dare  they  deprive  Brazil  of  her 
privy  council,  her  court  of  conscience,  her  exchequer,  her  board  of  commerce,  her  court  of 
requests,  and  so  many  other  institutions  just  established  among  us,  and  which  promised 
us  such  future  benefits?  Where  now  must  the  people  apply  in  their  civil  and  judicial 
concerns?  Must  they  once  more,  after  enjoying  for  twelve  years  the  advantages  of  speedy 
justice,  seek  it  in  a foreign  land,  across  two  thousand  leagues  of  ocean,  amid  the  procrastina- 
tions and  corruptions  of  Lisbon  tribunals,  where  the  oppressed  suitor  is  abandoned  by  hope 
and  life?’’  This  address  concluded  with  an  appeal  to  the  prince  to  remain  in  Brazil,  and  not 
suffer  himself  to  be  “led  about  like  a school-boy  surrounded  by  masters  and  spies.”  The 
prince  regent’s  reply  was  prompt  and  decided:  “As  it  appears  to  be  the  general  wish  and 
for  the  general  good,  1 will  remain.” 

A new  ministry  was  formed  January  16,  1822,  with  Dom  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada  as 
Home  Secretary  and  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs,  his  brother,  Martim  Francisco  de  Andrada, 
also  becoming  a member  of  the  cabinet  a few  months  later.  It  was  the  original  intention  to 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


4i 


preserve  the  union  with  Portugal,  but  to  have  a parliament  at  Rio.  Deputies  were  sent 
to  the  Cortes  to  urge  the  adoption  of  this  plan,  and  to  voice  the  general  sentiment  against 
the  demands  of  the  Cortes,  as  contained  in  the  decrees  sent  over  to  Brazil. 

The  young  prince  showed  himself  to  be  possessed  of  great  energy  and  decision  of 
character,  judging  from  his  prompt  method  of  dealing  with  affairs  at  this  time.  On  the 
1 6th  of  February,  he  issued  a decree  calling  the  chief  'legislators  of  the  provinces  of  Brazil  to 
assemble  in  Rio  de  Janeiro.  On  the  25th  of  the  same  month,  he  issued  another,  declaring 
that  no  law  promulgated  by  the  parliament  of  Lisbon  should  be  obeyed  in  Brazil  without 
his  sanction.  When  it  was  announced  that  there  was  opposition  to  his  authority  over  Minas 
Geraes,  he  immediately  went  to  that  province,  visited  all  the  villages  and  towns,  won  the 


YPIRANGA,  MONUMENT  ON  THE  SITE  OF  THE  PROCLAMATION  OF  BRAZILIAN  INDEPENDENCE,  SAO  PAULO. 


loyalty  of  the  whole  people,  and  returned  followed  by  acclamations.  When  public  notices 
appeared  of  hostile  measures  taken  by  the  government  of  Portugal  against  Brazil,  Dom  Pedro 
accepted  the  title  “ Perpetual  Defender  of  Brazil,”  which,  in  the  name  of  the  people,  was 
offered  him,  on  the  13th  of  May,  by  the  senate  of  the  municipal  chamber. 

Dom  Pedro  did  not,  at  first,  show  any  intention  of  seeking  to  establish  an  independent 
empire  in  Brazil.  He  declared  only  against  the  infringement  of  his  rights  as  regent  of  the 
kingdom.  In  a proclamation  issued  August  17,  1822,  he  announces: 

“The  dignity  and  power  of  regent  of  this  vast  empire,  that  the  king,  my  august  father, 
had  granted  to  me,  having  been  confirmed  to  me  by  the  unanimous  consent  and  spontaneous 


42 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


will  of  the  people  of  Brazil,  a dignity  of  which  the  Cortes  of  Lisbon,  without  any  of  the 
deputies  of  Brazil  being  heard,  has  dared  to  deprive  me,  as  is  notorious;  and  I,  moreover, 

having  accepted  the  title  and 
duties  of  perpetual  defender  of 
this  kingdom  that  the  same 
people  have  so  generously  and 
so  loyally  conferred  upon  me; 
in  obedience,  therefore,  to  my 
sacred  duties,  and  in  gratitude 
for  so  much  love  and  fidelity, 
which  call  upon  me  to  take  all 
the  measures  indispensable  to 
the  salvation  of  this  greatest 
portion  of  the  Portuguese  mon- 
archy, that  has  been  confided 
to  me,  and  whose  rights  1 have 
sworn  to  preserve  uninjured  by 
any  attack;  and  inasmuch  as 
the  Cortes  of  Lisbon  continues 
in  the  same  erroneous  and  evi- 
dently unjust  system  of  recolo- 
nizing Brazil  even  by  force  of 
arms,  notwithstanding  that  she 
has  already  proclaimed  her 
political  independence,  and  has 
gone  so  far  that  there  is  already 
convened,  by  my  royal  decree  of  the  ^d  of  June  last  past,  a general,  constitutional  and 
legislative  assembly,  at  the  request  of  all  the  chambers,  thus  proceeding  with  a formality 
that  did  not  take  place  in  Portugal,  where  the  convening  of  the  Congress  was  originally 
only  an  act  of  secret  and  factious  clubs;  and  1 also  considering  his  Majesty  the  king, 
Dom  Joao  VI.,  of  whose  name  and  authority  the  Cortes  endeavors  to  avail  itself  for  its  own 
sinister  purposes,  as  a prisoner  in  that  kingdom,  without  any  will  of  his  own,  and  without 
that  liberty  of  action  that  is  given  to  the  executive  power  in  constitutional  monarchies, — I 
command,  having  first  heard  my  council  of  State,  all  the  provisional  juntas  of  government, 
generals,  military  commandants,  and  all  the  constituted  authorities  to  whom  the  execution 
of  this  decree  may  appertain,  as  follows: 

“ 1.  That  all  and  whatever  troops  that  shall  be  sent  from  Portugal  or  elsewhere  to  Brazil 
without  my  previous  consent,  upon  whatever  pretext,  be  reputed  enemies;  but  without 
interruption  to  the  commercial  and  friendly  relations  between  both  kingdoms,  for  the 
preservation  of  the  political  union  that  I greatly  desire  to  maintain. 


INTERIOR  VIEW  OF  YPIRANGA. 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


43 


“ II.  That  if  they  arrive  peaceably,  they  shall  immediately  return,  furnished  with  provi- 
sions and  supplies  necessary  for  their  voyage  back. 

“III.  That,  in  case  said  troops  shall  not  obey  these  orders,  and  shall  dare  to  land,  they 
be  driven  back  by  force  of  arms,  putting  into  execution,  if  necessary,  all  means  to  burn  the 
vessels  and  sink  the  boats  in  which  the  troops  may  attempt  to  land. 

“IV.  That  if,  notwithstanding  all  these  efforts,  it  shall  happen  that  the  troops  get  pos- 
session of  any  port  or  part  of  Brazil,  the  inhabitants  shall  retire  to  the  interior  and  carry  on 
against  them  a war  of  posts 
and  guerrillas  until  freed  from 
the  enemy. 

“V.  That  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  all  the  competent  mili- 
tary and  civil  authorities  to  for- 
tify all  the  ports  of  Brazil,  under 
strict  and  severe  responsibility. 

“VI.  The  civil  and  military 
authorities  to  whom  appertain 
the  execution  of  this,  my  royal 
decree,  are  to  fulfil  it,  and  cause 
it  to  be  fulfilled,  with  all  due 
zeal,  energy,  and  promptitude, 
under  the  responsibility  of  being 
guilty  of  high  treason  if  they 
shall  fail  to  do  so. 

“ Palace  of  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
the  17th  of  August,  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  twenty- 
two.  By  his  Royal  Highness 
the  Prince  Regent,”  etc. 


CORRIDOR  OF  YPIRANGA. 


In  a manifesto  signed 
“ Prince  Regent,”  Dom  Pedro 
calls  upon  the  Brazilians  to 
unite  themselves  “ with  inter- 
est, love,  and  hope;  to  com- 
mand the  august  Assembly  of  Brazil  to  manage  the  helm  of  State  with  justice  and  prudence. 
He  urges:  “ Let  no  other  shout  be  issued  from  your  lips  but  ‘union  let  no  other  word  be 
reiterated  from  the  Amazon  to  La  Plata  but  ‘independence’;  let  all  our  provinces  be  strongly 
chained  in  unanimity  not  to  be  broken  by  any  force;  let  old  prejudices  be  banished,  substi- 
tuting in  their  place  the  love  of  the  public  good.”  His  closing  words  are  full  of  enthusiastic 


44 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


patriotism:  “Brazilians!  friends!  let  us  unite  ourselves;  I am  your  companion,  1 am  your 
defender;  let  us  obtain,  as  the  only  reward  of  all  our  toils,  the  honor,  glory,  and  prosperity 
of  Brazil;  for  the  accomplishment  of  which  I shall  always  be  at  your  front  in  the  most 
dangerous  places  1 Permit  me  to  convince  you  that  your  felicity  depends  on  mine.  It  is 
my  glory  to  rule  an  upright,  valiant,  and  free  people.  Give  me  the  example  of  your  virtues 
and  of  your  union,  and  be  assured  that  I shall  be  worthy  of  you.”  This  manifesto  gave 
zest  to  the  popular  sentiment. 

It  soon  became  evident  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  Brazil  to  continue  united  with 
Portugal  under  existing  conditions;  and  the  crisis  was  precipitated,  first,  by  the  antagonistic 
and  even  insulting  attitude  maintained  in  the  Cortes  toward  the  Brazilian  deputies,  who 
were  silenced  ignominiously  when  they  attempted  to  speak  in  behalf  of  their  country’s 
cause;  and,  secondly,  by  the  passage  of  a decree  ignoring  all  Brazilian  claims,  and  peremp- 
torily ordering  the  prince  regent  to  Europe.  The  effect  of  this  news  upon  the  prince  is  well 
known,  as  recorded  in  the  dramatic  story  of  “Ypiranga,”  the  name  of  a little  stream  in  the 
province  of  Sao  Paulo,  made  famous  in  history  as  the  birthplace  of  Brazilian  independence. 
It  was  here  that  the  prince,  as  he  and  his  friends  were  returning  from  a hunting-party, 
received  the  dispatches  containing  news  of  the  last  act  of  the  Cortes.  Upon  reading  them, 
the  prince  called  his  followers  to  his  side,  and,  with  the  watchword,  “ Independence  ou 
Morte!”  declared  that  he  would  never  leave  Brazil,  but  would  be  her  protector  and  defender 
against  the  wrongs  that  Portugal  sought  to  heap  upon  her.  This  was  on  September  7,  1822, 
and  on  October  12,  1822,  Dom  Pedro  was  proclaimed  Constitutional  Emperor  of  Brazil, 
the  ceremony  of  his  inauguration  taking  place  on  the  1st  of  the  following  December.  The 
magnificent  museum  of  Ypiranga,  which  to-day  marks  the  site  of  this  famous  occurrence 
in  Brazilian  history,  is  a. fitting  monument  in  honor  of  the  great  event.  Upon  his  return  to 
Rio  a few  days  after  the  scene  at  Ypiranga,  the  prince  appeared  at  the  theatre,  wearing  on 
his  arm  a green  badge,  with  the  motto,  in  letters  of  gold,  “ Independence  ou  Morte.”  The 
people,  as  he  entered,  arose  in  a delirium  of  enthusiasm  and  greeted  him  with  tumultuous 
applause. 

The  coronation  ceremony  took  place  in  the  chapel  attached  to  the  palace,  and  was  a 
brilliant  affair.  In  the  evening,  the  new  emperor  attended  the  grand  opera,  and  his  appear- 
ance was  the  signal  for  prolonged  cheers  and  shouts  of  “Viva  0 Imperador!”  The  empire 
was  established  with  comparatively  little  opposition.  The  Portuguese  troops  were  soon 
dismissed  from  Rio;  in  July  of  the  following  year,  they  evacuated  Bahia,  and  later  in  the 
same  year  capitulated  at  Maranhao,  at  Para,  and  at  Montevideo.  Before  the  end  of  1827, 
Portugal  gave  up  the  fight,  and  recognized  the  independence  of  Brazil,  the  new  empire 
assuming,  as  the  price  of  her  freedom,  debts  amounting  to  nearly  ten  million  dollars.  On 
the  2d  of  December,  1827,  the  Prince  Dom  Pedro,  afterward  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  II.,  was 
born,  at  Rio  de  Janeiro. 

The  following  account  of  a Brazilian  woman’s  heroism  makes  an  interesting  addition  to 
the  history  of  this  period.  Donna  Maria  Quiteria  de  Jesus  Medeiros,  a Bahian  girl,  hearing 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


4S 

her  father  lament  that  he  had  no  son  to  fight  in  the  cause  of  Brazilian  independence,  dis- 
guised herself  as  a soldier  and  enlisted  in  the  artillery.  This  proving  too  hard  a service,  she 
succeeded  in  changing  to  the  light  infantry  called  the  “ Volunteers  of  the  Prince,”  and  served 
until  the  end  of  the  war.  She  led  a troop  of  Bahian  Amazons  against  the  Lusitanians  who 
were  attempting  to  land  near  the  mouth  of  the  Paraguassu,  and  drove  them  back,  for  which 
heroic  service  she  was  knighted  by  Dom  Pedro  I.,  and  decorated  with  the  “Imperial  Order 
of  the  Cruzeiro.” 

During  the  year  previous  to  the  final  recognition  of  Brazilian  independence  by  the 
mother  country,  the  northern  provinces,  led  by  Pernambuco,  revolted  against  the  new 


PALACE  OF  DOM  PEDRO  II.,  NOW  THE  NATIONAL  MUSEUM,  SAO  CHRISTOVAO,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


government  and  disclaimed'  its  authority,  which  they  asserted  was  being  maintained  in  the 
interests  of  Portugal  rather  than  of  Brazil,  and  they  declared  their  independence  under  an 
alliance  entitled  “The  Federation  of  the  Equator.”  Their  chief  leader  was  Manoel  Carvalho 
Paes  de  Andrada,  the  elected  president  of  Pernambuco,  whom  the  central  government  had 
attempted  to  replace  by  one  of  the  emperor’s  favorites,  but  without  success,  the  inhabitants 
of  Pernambuco  refusing  to  acknowledge  any  authority  except  that  of  their  elected  presi- 
dent. Carvalho  led  the  revolutionists  against  the  imperial  forces  with  skill  and  bravery, 
engaging  General  Barreto’s  army  by  land  while  a small  naval  force  blockaded  them  by  sea. 
Lord  Cochrane  was  sent  to  cooperate  with  Barreto’s  troops  and  to  blockade  the  city  of 


46 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


Pernambuco,  and  troops  under  General  Lima  were  dispatched  to  reinforce  those  of  Barreto. 
By  their  united  efforts,  the  imperial  forces  finally  succeeded  in  entering  Pernambuco,  and 
driving  Carvalho  back  to  the  parish  of  Recife,  where,  having  burned  the  bridge  connecting 
it  with  the  city,  he  and  his  followers  entrenched  themselves  and  opened  fire  on  the  im- 
perialists. They  were,  however,  defeated  at  last,  and  three  of  their  number  executed, — 
Ratcliff,  Metrowich,  and  Loureiro;  Carvalho  escaped. 

The  next  year,  1825,  the  unpopular  war  in  the  Cisplatine  province  began,  lasting  three 
years  and  resulting  in  the  independence  of  Uruguay.  It  created  an  important  addition  to  the 
national  debt  of  Brazil,  which  was  already  too  burdensome  to  be  borne  by  the  people  with- 
out many  evidences  of  discontent  and  dissatisfaction.  In  1826,  by  the  death  of  King  Dom 
Joao  VI.,  Dom  Pedro  succeeded  to  the  throne  of  Portugal,  and  immediately  abdicated  in 
favor  of  his  daughter,  Donna  Maria.  The  Marquis  de  Barbacena  was  appointed  to  accompany 
the  young  princess,  who  had  been  created  Duchess  of  Oporto,  to  Europe,  where  she  was  to 
be  received  at  Genoa  by  her  aunt,  the  ex-Empress  of  France,  Marie  Louise,  and  Count 
Leibzeltern,  and  taken  to  Vienna.  Information  obtained  at  Gibraltar,  however,  led  to  a 
change  of  these  plans,  and  the  princess  was  taken  to  England,  returning  soon  afterward  to 
Brazil.  A scheme  for  her  marriage  to  her  uncle,  Dom  Miguel,  with  a view  to  uniting  the 
rival  claims  to  the  Portuguese  throne,  was  not  carried  out,  and  Dom  Miguel  seized  the  crown, 
though  he  was  afterward  forced  to  surrender  it  to  Donna  Maria,  who  became  Queen  Maria  II. 
a few  years  later. 

Not  long  after  the  death  of  his  royal  father,  and  in  the  same  year,  1826,  the  emperor 
sustained  a second  bereavement  in  the  death  of  the  Empress  of  Brazil.  It  was  the  occasion 
of  national  mourning,  as  the  empress  was  greatly  beloved  for  her  generous  charities  and 
esteemed  for  many  noble  qualities.  The  emperor  was  in  the  south  at  the  time  of  the 
empress’s  death.  He  received  the  news  with  every  demonstration  of  grief,  and,  the  gossips 
say,  with  some  show  of  remorse;  for  the  empress,  though  a faithful  wife  and  an  affectionate 
mother,  had  received  very  little  consideration  from  her  gay  and  pleasure-loving  spouse. 
It  is  said  that  the  emperor  never  forgave  the  Marquis  de  Barbacena,  the  diplomat  who 
arranged  his  marriage,  for  not  having  brought  him  a more  beautiful  and  fascinating  princess. 
The  Empress  of  Brazil  presented  a striking  contrast  in  mind  and  morals  to  her  sister  Marie 
Louise,  the  second  wife  of  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  being  as  serious  and  devout  as  the  other 
was  frivolous  and  worldly. 

The  popularity  which  the  emperor  enjoyed  when  he  ascended  the  throne  was  short- 
lived. From  the  first,  his  actions  seem  to  have  been  open  to  the  adverse  criticism  of  the 
Liberal  party,  who  strongly  opposed  his  tendency  to  be  guided  by  Portuguese  influences 
and  his  high-handed  methods  of  governing.  Among  his  first  unpopular  acts  were  the  dis- 
missal of  the  ministry  of  the  Andradas,  who  had  been  the  most  staunch  promoters  and 
supporters  of  the  independent  movement;  his  appointment  of  the  Paranagua  ministry  a few 
months  later,  composed  of  the  extreme  Conservative  element;  and  his  dissolution  of  parlia- 
ment the  day  after  this  appointment,  when  six  deputies  were  made  prisoners  and  banished 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


47 


to  Europe,  among  them  the  Andrada  brothers.  The  ministry  of  Sao  Leopoldo  succeeded 
that  of  the  Marquis  of  Paranagua,  and  was  similar  in  character.  The  continual  change  of 
ministries  which  marked  the  entire  course  of  Dom  Pedro’s  reign,  together  with  the  charge 
made  by  the  Liberals,  that  he 
was  trying  to  establish  an  ab- 
solute monarchy,  is  held  re- 
sponsible for  a large  share 
of  the  popular  dissatisfaction. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  1827, 
the  ministry  of  the  Marquis  de 
Olinda  took  office,  but  difficul- 
ties growing  out  of  the  em- 
peror’s dismissal  of  the  minister 
of  war  led  to  the  resignation  of 
its  members,  and  a new  cabinet 
was  formed  under  Clemente 
Pereira.  This,  like  its  successor, 
the  second  ministry  of  the  Mar- 
quis of  Paranagua,  encountered 
lively  opposition  in  the  Cham- 
ber of  Deputies  and  in  the 
press.  Federalist  and  Repub- 
lican journals  sprang  up  in  in- 
creasing numbers  and  influence 
at  this  time,  and  played  an  im- 
portant part  in  politics. 

On  the  19th  of  March,  1831, 

Dom  Pedro  appointed  a lib- 
eral ministry;  but  this  apparent 
effort  to  conciliate  the  opposing  party  failed.  When  this  ministry  was  soon  afterward  dis- 
missed, and  a cabinet  composed  exclusively  of  senators  named  to  take  its  place,  a popular 
uprising  resulted,  and  the  return  of  the  dismissed  ministry  was  demanded.  It  was  a critical 
moment.  The  people  had  lost  patience  and  their  attitude  left  no  room  for  doubt  as  to  their 
final  purpose.  The  emperor  was  in  a most  dangerous  situation ; the  Imperial  Guard  deserted 
him,  and  his  followers,  against  whom  the  popular  clamor  was  especially  directed,  were 
obliged  to  look  for  a place  of  greater  safety  than  the  emperor’s  palace,  surrounded  as  it  now 
was  by  an  angry  and  threatening  populace.  To  the  honor  of  the  Brazilian  character  be  it 
said,  no  violence  was  offered  to  the  emperor,  under  circumstances  which  would  have 
impelled  almost  any  popular  mob  to  deeds  of  cowardice.  The  whole  capital  was  in  the 
hands  of  the  people,  the  police  and  the  soldiery  were  with  them,  the  emperor  was  helpless 


THE  CROWN-PRINCESS  ISABEL,  REGENT  OF  THE  EMPIRE. 


48 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


in  their  power;  yet,  an  innate  appreciation  of  the  dignity  of  human  life  and  respect  for  the 
Constitution  which,  they  claimed,  was  strong  enough  to  secure  them  their  inalienable  rights, 
sufficed  to  keep  them  from  committing  a crime  like  that  which  blackens  the  annals  of  the 
French  Revolution. 

Notwithstanding  the  apparently  helpless  position  of  the  emperor,  he  at  first  indignantly 
refused  to  listen  to  any  demands  made  by  an  angry  and  irresponsible  populace.  But  finally 
realizing  the  strength  of  the  opposition,  and  perhaps  anxious  to  go  to  Portugal  where  his 
daughter’s  right  to  the  throne  needed  protection  against  the  usurping  Dom  Miguel,  he  called 
back  the  messenger  he  had  dismissed,  and  bade  him  wait  while  he  wrote  his  last  message 
to  his  Brazilian  subjects.  In  the  farewell  proclamation,  he  said:  “Availing  myself  of  the 
right  which  the  Constitution  gives  me,  I declare  that  1 have  voluntarily  abdicated  in  favor  of 
my  dearly  beloved  and  esteemed  son,  Dom  Pedro  de  Alcantara.  I shall  retire  to  Europe, 
and  leave  a country  that  I have  always  loved  and  still  love.”  Dom  Pedro  I.  died  in  1834, 
having  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  his  son  received  as  Emperor  of  Brazil,  and  his 
daughter  enthroned  as  Queen  of  Portugal. 

The  little  prince  Dom  Pedro  was  only  five  years  of  age  when  he  succeeded  his  father 
on  the  throne  of  Brazil  as  the  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  II.  During  his  minority,  the  country 

was  governed  at  first  by  a regency,  composed  of  three 
members  elected  by  the  legislative  chambers,  and  after- 
ward by  a single  regent  chosen  by  all  the  electors  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  deputies.  At  this  time,  the 
councils  of  the  provinces  were  replaced  by  legislative 
provincial  assemblies.  In  183^,  Father  Diogo  Antonio 
Feijo,  of  Sao  Paulo,  was  chosen  regent.  He  had  previ- 
ously held  the  office  of  Prime  Minister,  and  is  described 
as  “a  man  of  iron  will,  prompt  action,  and  unhesitating 
decision.”  During  his  ministry,  there  were  innumer- 
able disturbances  throughout  the  country,  the  result  of 
unsettled  conditions  following  the  abdication  of  Dom 
Pedro  I.  Many  parties  and  cliques  were  organized, 
and  there  was  an  imperative  demand  for  various  rights 
and  reforms.  There  were  the  “ Restoradores,”  who 
wanted  Dom  Pedro  I.  back  again;  the  “Moderate  Lib- 
erals,” of  which  Vasconcellos  and  Evaristo  da  Veiga 
were  the  powerful  chiefs;  the  “Liberal  Exaltado,”  com- 
posed largely  of  men  holding  republican  principles; 
the  “Separatists”;  the  “Society  of  the  Defenders  of 
Liberty  and  National  Independence,”  and  others.  Civil 
war  caused  bloodshed  in  Pernambuco,  Para,  Bahia,  Maranhao,  and  more  especially  in 
Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  where  it  lasted  ten  years. 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


49 


After  two  years  as  regent,  Feijo  resigned,  and  the  Marquis  de  Olinda  succeeded  him. 
His  rule  failing  to  satisfy  all  parties,  it  was  demanded  that  the  young  emperor  should  be 
given  his  majority,  and,  in  1840,  in  the  fif- 
teenth year  of  his  age,  this  event  took  place, 
his  accession  being  hailed  with  general  re- 
joicing. Two  political  parties  were  rivals  for 
the  ruling  power  all  through  the  reign  of  Dom 
Pedro  II.,  the  Conservatives  and  the  Liberals. 

At  the  time  of  the  emperor’s  accession,  the 
Liberals  held  sway,  but  they  were  soon  dis- 
placed by  the  Conservatives,  the  two  parties 
afterward  superseding  each  other  in  the  polit- 
ical leadership  at  varying  intervals  of  from 
four  to  eight  years,  though  the  Liberals  gained 
ground  constantly,  and  at  one  time  there  was 
a union  of  the  two  parties  under  their  banner. 

This  did  not  last  long,  however,  but  it  was 
one  of  the  “signs  of  the  times.”  The  Liberal 
party  became  more  thoroughly  imbued  with 
republican  ideas  and  principles,  and  the  Con- 
servatives recognized  the  necessity  of  modi- 
fying their  policy  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
hour.  There  were  many  changes  in  both 
parties,  some  former  Conservatives  allying 
themselves  with  the  Liberals,  and  a few  who  had  been  prominent  in  the  Liberal  party 
going  over  to  the  Conservatives.  It  was  the  “leavening  process”  in  the  political  progress 
of  affairs. 

The  civil  war  in  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  which  had  lasted  ten  years,  was  terminated  by 
General  de  Caxias,  on  March  1,  1 845",  and  peace  hovered  over  the  banner  of  Brazil  until 
some  six  years  later,  when  the  government  lent  the  assistance  of  her  squadron  and  army  to 
Uruguay  in  a fight  against  the  Argentine  dictator  Rosas.  Through  an  alliance  negotiated  by 
the  Brazilian  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs,  Paula  de  Souza,  the  independence  of  Uruguay  was 
again  established,  freedom  of  navigation  in  the  tributaries  of  the  river  Plata  being  declared  at 
the  same  time.  In  1864,  however,  a dispute  arose,  and  Brazil  declared  war  against  Uruguay. 
Under  the  commands  of  Generals  Barreto  and  Flores  and  Admiral  Tamandare,  her  military 
and  naval  forces  attacked  Montevideo,  and  took  Paysandu. 

One  of  the  most  terrible  wars  in  history  was  that  waged  against  the  Paraguayan 
dictator,  Lopez,  by  the  allied  forces  of  Brazil,  the  Argentine,  and  Uruguay.  It  began  in  1867, 
and  lasted  until  1870,  when  scarcely  a man  was  left  of  the  whole  Paraguayan  population. 
The  country  was  reduced  to  a deplorable  condition,  from  which  it  is  just  now  beginning  to 


DR.  ANTONIO  DA  SILVA  PRADO. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


S° 

recover,  after  more  than  a quarter  of  a century.  It  has  been  called  a war  of  national  vindi- 
cation. Lopez  had  invaded  the  territory  of  all  three  of  the  countries  forming  the  alliance, 
and  in  sheer  revenge  (it  is  said  because  the  emperor  had  refused  him  the  hand  of  his 
daughter  in  marriage)  he  attacked  a Brazilian  vessel  on  its  way  up  the  river  to  Matto  Grosso 
in  November,  1864.  The  Triple  Alliance  determined  to  crush  the  lawless  bandit,  and  on 
May  1,  1867,  began  a long  and  terrible  war,  of  which  Brazil  supported  the  bulk  of  the 
burden.  General  Mitre,  at  that  time  President  of  the  Argentine  Republic,  had  command  of 
the  allied  armies  during  the  first  years  of  the  war.  On  the  7th  of  January,  1867,  the  Brazilian 
Prime  Minister,  Francisco  Jose  Furtado,  issued  the  decree  which  called  out  the  “Voluntaries 
da  Patria,”  and  the  splendid  battalions  that  responded  to  his  call  paid  a tribute  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  distinguished  statesman  at  once  gratifying  and  deserved.  The  magnificent  service  of 
these  troops  in  the  field  was  a convincing  proof  of  Brazilian  bravery  and  patriotism.  At  the 
same  time,  the  navy  was  reconstructed,  and  orders  were  given  for  the  immediate  building 
of  the  first  Brazilian  iron-clads  in  the  naval  arsenal  of  the  capital.  The  Brazilians  started  out 
with  the  naval  victory  of  Riachuelo,  gained  by  Admiral  Barroso  over  the  Paraguayan  squad- 
ron, which  threatened  at  first  to  destroy  that  of  Brazil  by  the  superiority  of  its  naval  force, 
aided  by  batteries  suddenly  unmasked  on  the  high  bank  of  the  river.  The  scene  on  board 
the  Brazilian  ship  Parnahyba  was  one  of  fearful  carnage,  the  quarter-deck  being  drenched 
with  blood  when  the  enemy  boarded  her  from  their  four  vessels,  overwhelming  her  brave 
defenders.  But  the  onslaught  was  as  temporary  as  it  had  been  sudden,  and  the  power  of 
the  Paraguayan  fleet  was  effectually  crushed  by  the  Brazilians. 

A Paraguayan  division  which  advanced  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Uruguay  was  destroyed 
at  Yatay  by  the  allies  under  the  command  of  General  Flores,  President  of  the  Republic 
Oriental.  Another  branch  of  the  army,  which  had  penetrated  into  the  Brazilian  province 
of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  was  besieged  at  Uruguayana  and  forced  to  lay  down  arms.  The 
Emperor  Dorn  Pedro  II.  then  took  command  of  the  allies,  and  it  was  in  this  encampment 
that  he  received  the  minister  Thornton,  sent  by  England  to  arrange  a renewal  of  diplomatic 
relations  with  Brazil  which  were  broken  in  1863.  Lopez  abandoned  his  position,  and  retired 
to  meet  his  enemies  on  Paraguayan  territory,  behind  the  line  of  the  Parana.  In  1866,  the 
allies  succeeded  in  crossing  this  river  and  seizing  the  first  outposts  after  three  battles:  Con- 
fluencia,  in  which  the  Brazilian  general  Osorio  had  command;  Desterro  Bellaco,  led  by 
Generals  Flores  and  Osorio;  and  Tujuty,  where  Generals  Mitre,  Osorio,  and  Flores  united 
their  forces.  They  were  obliged,  however,  to  remain  inactive,  waiting  for  reinforcements, 
before  the  entrenchments  of  the  enemy.  At  the  same  time,  in  the  month  of  July,  the  allies 
attempted  an  attack  on  the  coast  of  Sauce,  but  without  success.  When  the  first  reinforce- 
ments arrived,  the  Brazilian  general  Porto  Alegre  took  possession  of  Curuzu;  but  some  days 
after,  the  same  general  and  President  Mitre  failed  in  the  assault  of  Curupaity.  The  Brazilian 
captain,  Vital  de  Oliveira,  commanding  the  iron-clad  Silvado,  was  killed  in  this  engagement. 

The  next  year,  Brazil  concentrated  the  command  of  her  armies,  by  land  and  sea,  under 
Marshal  de  Caxias,  and  nearly  all  the  Argentine  army  retired  to  repress  revolts  and  resistances 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


A 

among  their  provincial  governors.  After  several  months  of  forced  inaction,  owing  to  the 
ravages  of  cholera,  and  after  the  departure  of  General  Mitre  for  Buenos  Aires,  Marshal  de 
Caxias  began  operations  against  the  fortifi- 
cations of  Humayta.  The  Brazilian  cuirassiers, 
under  Admiral  Inhauma,  forced  the  passage 
of  Curupa'ity  in  1867,  and  that  of  Humayta 
in  the  following  year,  under  Commodore 
Delphim  de  Carvalho.  At  the  same  time, 

Marshal  de  Caxias  seized  all  the  defences 
raised  on  this  side  of  the  river,  also  those  of 
Tebicuary,  and  proceeded  northward  to  attack 
the  lines  of  Angostura  and  Pikysyry,  which 
covered  the  road  to  the  capital.  He  gained 
the  victories  of  Itororo,  Avay,  and  Lomas 
Valentinas,  in  the  month  of  December,  1868, 
which  gave  to  the  allies  possession  of  all  the 
west  part  of  the  country.  But  Lopez  had 
escaped  to  the  interior,  where  he  succeeded 
in  organizing  a new  army. 

The  last  campaign  of  the  war  was  con- 
ducted by  the  Count  d’Eu,  in  1869  and  1870, 
when  the  Brazilians  took  by  assault  the  town 
of  Piribebuy,  crushed  the  greater  part  of  the 
army  of  Lopez  at  the  battle  of  Campo  Grande,  and  pursued  the  vanquished  in  all  directions, 
to  the  depths  of  the  deserts  and  the  forests  of  eastern  and  northern  Paraguay.  After  several 
minor  engagements,  General  Camara  surprised  the  Lopez  encampment  at  Cerro  Cora,  on  a 
branch  of  the  Aquidaban,  March  1,  1870.  The  dictator,  who  had  only  a thousand  men  in 
his  following,  was  killed  while  attempting  to  escape,  and  the  war  was  brought  to  an  end. 
The  treaty  of  1872  fixed  the  frontiers. 

During  the  reign  of  Dom  Pedro  II.,  the  Crown-Princess  Isabel  was  three  times  regent 
of  the  empire:  from  May  27,  1871,  to  March  30,  1872;  from  March  26,  1876,  to  Septem- 
ber 27,  1877,  during  the  emperor’s  visit  to  the  United  States;  and  from  June  30,  1887,  to 
August  21,  1888.  Under  the  last  regency  was  effected  one  of  the  greatest  reforms  in  the 
history  of  the  nation,  the  emancipation  of  all  slaves  within  Brazilian  territory.  It  was  not 
altogether  an  unforeseen  event,  as  the  gradual  abolition  of  the  slave  traffic  had  been  going 
on  for  many  years,  and  it  was  only  a question  of  a comparatively  short  time  when  the  evil 
would  have  ceased  to  exist  under  the  laws  already  in  effect  at  the  time  of  the  princess 
regent’s  proclamation.  The  number  of  slaves  in  Brazil  had  been  reduced  from  two  and  a 
half  millions  in  1874  to  a little  over  half  a million  in  1888.  The  signing  of  the  emancipation 
bill  was,  nevertheless,  an  act  requiring  both  courage  and  decision,  especially  in  view  of  the 


DR.  JOAO  ALFREDO  CORREA  DE  OLIVEIRA. 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


circumstances.  For  it  was  well  known  that,  in  the  event  of  her  succession  (the  emperor’s 
abdication  was  regarded  as  an  approaching  certainty),  Isabel  would  have  to  look  for  her 
chief  support  to  that  class  whose  interests  she  was  imperilling  by  giving  her  consent  to  the 
liberation  of  the  slaves.  Indeed,  it  has  been  claimed  that  this  act  was  responsible,  in  a great 
measure,  for  the  absence  of  any  support  from  among  the  friends  of  the  empire  in  the  hour 
of  her  direst  need.  Nevertheless,  when  this  view  of  the  case  was  afterward  presented  to 
the  princess,  she  replied  that  she  did  not  regret  her  action,  but  would  do  the  same  thing 
again  under  the  same  circumstances. 

Before  giving  the  history  of  the  final  emancipation  bill,  it  is  necessary  to  record  the 
various  steps  of  the  progress  made  toward  this  end,  in  order  to  appreciate  the  situation  fully. 
The  history  of  slave-traffic  in  Brazil  dates  back  to  the  sixteenth  century,  the  first  contract  for 
the  importation  of  slaves  having  been  signed  in  Rio  de  Janeiro  in  1783.  The  question  of 
emancipation  was  agitated  early  in  the  colonial  days,  Abbe  Manoel  Ribeiro  Rocha,  of  Bahia, 
having  published  a work,  in  Lisbon,  in  1778,  called  “ Ethiope  Resgatado,”  pleading  both  for 
the  liberation  of  slaves  after  a time  of  service  sufficient  to  repay  their  masters  for  their 


OLD  CARIOCA  AQUEDUCT,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


purchase,  and  for  the  freedom  of  the  children  of  slave  women  after  reaching  fifteen 
years  of  age.  The  Correo  Brayliense  published  articles  in  1808-1822  urging  the  gradual 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE  ^ 

emancipation  of  slaves.  In  1810,  Velloso  de  Oliveira,  of  Sao  Paulo,  in  a memorial  to  the  Prince 
Regent  Dom  Joao,  spoke  of  granting  freedom  to  the  children  of  slave  mothers.  In  1822,  a 


OLD  CARIOCA  AQUEDUCT  SEEN  FROM  BELOW 

proposition  for  the  restriction  of  the  slave-trade  was  presented  to  the  Cortes  at  Lisbon  by 
one  of  the  Brazilian  deputies,  Borges  de  Barros,  of  Bahia,  afterward  Viscount  de  Pedra 
Branca;  but  as  the  Cortes  was  paying  little  heed  to  any  suggestions  from  Brazil  just  at  that 
particular  time,  nothing  came  of  it.  The  importation  of  slaves  was  opposed  by  Domingos 
Moniz  Barreto  in  1814,  and  by  Maciel  da  Costa  in  1821.  Dr.  Antonio  Ferreira  Franqa,  deputy 
from  Bahia,  offered  a project  about  this  time  for  gradual  abolition.  Dom  Jose  Bonifacio  de 
Andrada  took  up  the  question  with  his  characteristic  vigor,  and  in  a memorial  published  in 
1825  presented  a plan  for  emancipation.  During  his  exile  in  Europe,  this  great  man,  who 
has  been  called  the  “ Father  of  Brazilian  Independence,”  continued  to  work  for  the  abolition 
cause.  He  was  permitted  to  return  to  his  beloved  country  in  1829,  and  was  appointed 
guardian  to  the  second  emperor,  upon  the  abdication  of  Dom  Pedro  I.  He  exerted  a 
powerful  influence  in  behalf  of  emancipation,  speaking  and  writing  in  its  favor  whenever 
the  opportunity  was  presented.  When  he  finally  retired  from  public  life  and  took  up  his 
residence  on  the  picturesque  island  of  Paqueta,  where  he  spent  the  few  remaining  years  of 
his  life,  he  still  took  an  interest  in  the  great  movement  toward  the  freedom  of  the  slaves. 
In  1830,  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  was  asked  to  consider  a proposal  for  the  gradual  abolition 
of  slavery,  to  be  consummated  by  March  25",  1881;  and,  two  years  later,  a project  was 


THE  RETT  BRAZIL 


S4 

submitted  to  their  consideration  which  declared  all  new-born  children  free.  But  the 
Chamber  was  not  ready  for  such  radical  measures,  and  refused  to  consider  them.  A 
law  was,  however,  passed  in  1830,  making  the  importation  of  slaves  illegal,  but  it  was 
constantly  evaded. 

In  1849,  a circumstance  occurred  which  gave  a new  impetus  to  the  anti-slavery  move- 
ment. The  first  case  of  yellow  fever  was  brought  over  to  Brazil  that  year  in  a slave-ship, 
and  the  ravages  of  the  disease  were  more  eloquent  as  arguments  against  the  traffic  than  the 
most  inspired  speeches  on  the  subject.  Gradually,  an  abolition  party  was  formed,  and,  as 
far  as  consistent  with  his  constitutional  obligations,  the  emperor  was  its  protecting  patron. 
Measures  favorable  to  the  slaves  continued  to  be  urged  by  prominent  leaders  from  this  time 
forward.  In  1874,  the  minister  Eusebio  de  Queiros  secured  the  passage  of  a bill  for  sup- 
pressing the  trade,  which  was  rigorously  enacted,  and  the  old  law  of  1830,  forbidding  the 
importation  of  slaves,  was  no  longer,  in  practice,  a “dead  letter.”  Plans  for  gradual  eman- 
cipation, presented  to  the  emperor  by  the  Marquis  de  Sao  Vicente,  were  examined  by  the 
Council  of  State,  but  action  on  them  was  delayed  by  the  breaking-out  of  the  Paraguayan 
war.  As  soon  as  peace  was  restored,  however,  the  question  received  renewed  attention, 
and  a project  for  gradual  emancipation,  proposed  by  Viscount  de  Cruzeiro,  was  drawn  up 
by  a committee  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  August  153  1870.  The  following  year  marked 
a great  victory  for  the  Abolition  party,  in  the  passage  of  the  famous  “ Rio-Branco  ” law, 
secured  by  the  Prime  Minister,  J.  M.  da  Silva  Paranhos,  Viscount  de  Rio-Branco,  Septem- 
ber 28,  1871,  after  a parliamentary  struggle  of  five  months.  This  law  abolished  slavery  in 
principle,  declaring  that  all  children  should  be  born  free,  and  remain  only  until  their  majority 
in  the  service  of  the  masters  of  their  mothers  in  order  to  pay  for  the  expenses  of  rearing  and 
education ; and  making  it  obligatory  on  all  masters  to  register  the  nationality,  birthplace, 
and  age  of  their  slaves.  All  slaves  not  registered  in  the  annual  census  were  considered  free. 

The  deathknell  of  slavery  was  really  sounded  by  the  passage  of  the  Rio-Branco  law, 
which  effectively  destroyed  the  sources  of  its  vitality.  The  author,  the  Viscount  de  Rio- 
Branco,  was  one  of  the  greatest  statesmen  in  the  history  of  Brazil  and  the  central  figure  in 
Brazilian  politics  under  the  empire.  As  President  of  the  Council,  Minister  of  War,  Minister 
of  Finance,  and  three  times  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  his  services  to  his  beloved  country 
were  distinguished  by  absolute  devotion  to  its  highest  interests.  His  last  term  of  office  as 
Foreign  Minister  covered  a period  of  seven  years,  from  1871  to  1878,  being  the  longest  time 
that  any  minister  in  Brazil  has  held  this  portfolio,  with  the  single  exception  of  the  present 
chief  of  the  Foreign  Office,  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  the  son  of  that  noble  and  illustrious  states- 
man. The  genius  of  Viscount  de  Rio-Branco  was  both  profound  and  versatile,  and  his 
recognized  loyalty  and  patriotism  made  him  greatly  beloved  by  all  Brazilians.  In  his  hands, 
diplomacy  was  a powerful  instrument  for  peace  and  civilization,  and  the  most  flourishing 
period  of  the  empire  owed  much  of  its  advancement  to  his  initiative  and  judgment.  Viscount 
de  Rio-Branco  was  born  in  Bahia,  March  16,  1819,  and  died  in  Rio,  November  1,  1880. 
A handsome  monument  by  the  renowned  sculptor  Felix  Charpentier,  which  occupies  a 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE  57 

prominent  place  in  the  capital,  is  a lasting  evidence  of  the  honor  and  esteem  in  which  the 
eminent  statesman’s  memory  is  held  by  the  nation. 


THE  GAVEA. 


Slavery  was  now  destroyed  at  its  two  sources, — importation  and  birth.  Not  satisfied, 
however,  with  this  gradual  process  of  stamping  out  the  evil,  a new  abolition  party  was 
formed,  in  1880,  declaring  for  immediate  emancipation.  Among  its  champions  were  many 
leading  politicians  and  journalists:  Senators  Jaguaribe,  Octaviano,  and  Silveira  da  Motta, 
Deputy  Joaquim  Nabuco,  and  the  well-known  journalists  Ferreira  de  Menezes,  Gusmao 
Lobo,  Patrocinio,  Serra,  Rebougas,  Vicente  de  Souza,  and  others.  The  principles  of  this 
party  were  first  carried  into  effect  in  Amazonas  and  Ceara,  where  slaves  were  freed  in  1884. 
The  Rio-Branco  law  of  1871  was  supplemented  by  a law  passed  in  1887,  chiefly  through  the 
efforts  of  the  ministers  Saraiva  and  Cotegipe,  and  the  distinguished  Paulista  Dr.  Antonio  da 
Silva  Prado,  declaring  free  all  slaves  over  sixty  years  of  age,  on  condition  that  they  should 
serve  their  masters  another  three  years;  marking  a scale  of  redemption  prices  that  would  at 
the  end  of  twelve  or  thirteen  years  make  the  slaves  of  such  little  money  value  that  the  trade 
would  cease  to  exist ; the  value  of  female  slaves  was  considered  one-quarter  less  than  males. 
The  first  clause  of  this  law  caused  a great  deal  of  discussion  because  it  threatened  a serious 
complication,  arising  out  of  the  false  registrations  of  ages  that  had  been  going  on  since  the 
passage  of  the  Rio-Branco  bill,  in  consequence  of  the  necessity  for  concealing  the  previous 


56 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


illegal  importation  of  slaves.  This  was  contrary  to  the  old  law  of  1830,  which,  as  before 
mentioned,  was  evaded  up  to  the  year  185^4.  Slaves  imported  between  1830  and  18^4,  were, 
therefore,  registered  at  an  age  that  would  admit  of  the  supposition  of  their  importation  prior 
to  1830;  as  a result,  the  law  of  1885"  gave  freedom  to  thousands  of  slaves  actually  less  than 
fifty  years  of  age,  but  “officially”  over  sixty. 

The  abolition  of  slavery  was  now  the  vital  question  in  Brazilian  politics.  The  aboli- 
tionists of  the  north,  where  there  were  few  slaves,  joined  with  those  of  Sao  Paulo,  who, 
though  the  possessors  of  a great  many  slaves,  were  fighting  for  a principle,  and  together 
these  forces  advocated  speedy  abolition,  while  representatives  from  other  provinces  were 
opposed  to  any  other  method  than  a gradual  emancipation.  The  Federal  capital  was  the 
active  centre  of  the  abolition  movement.  In  1887,  two  chiefs  of  the  Conservative  party, 
Joao  Alfredo  Correa  de  Oliveira  and  Antonio  da  Silva  Prado,  declared  themselves  in  favor  of 
a new  law.  Senator  Prado,  a wealthy  planter,  and  the  owner  of  many  hundreds  of  negroes, 
set  the  example  of  immediate  emancipation  by  liberating  all  his  slaves.  Numerous  other 
rich  land-owners  of  this  State  followed  his  lead,  popular  sentiment  being  greatly  influenced 
by  such  evidences  of  self-sacrifice  for  the  sake  of  principle,  not  alone  here,  but  throughout 
the  neighboring  provinces.  Encouraged  by  the  increasing  efforts  made  in  their  favor,  the 
slaves  on  some  of  the  plantations  left  en  masse,  and  when  their  owners  sought  to  recover 


THE  ISLAND  OF  PAQUETA,  HOME  OF  DOM  JOSE  BONIFACIO  DE  ANDRADA. 


them  by  law  and  demanded  that  the  militia  should  lend  assistance,  the  abolitionists  main- 
tained, as  Senator  Prado  declared,  that  the  army  could  not  be  called  out  against  fugitive 


NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


77 


slaves  who  had  committed  no  crime.  The  Provincial  Assembly  of  Sao  Paulo  voted  such  a 
heavy  tax  on  slaves,  that  it  amounted  practically  to  a prohibition,  though  the  vote  was  not 
ratified  by  the  president  of  the  province.  Finally,  the  Cotegipe  ministry,  which  favored 
gradual  emancipation,  resigned,  and  the  princess  regent  called  upon  Senator  Correa  de  Oliveira 
to  form  a new  ministry,  which  came  into  power  on  the  ioth  of  March,  1888,  Senator  Antonio 
da  Silva  Prado  being  one  of  its  members.  These  two  leaders  realized  the  importance  of 
immediate  action,  and  at  once  prepared  a law  which  was  presented  to  the  chambers  by 
Roderigo  Silva  in  the  name  of  the  cabinet,  and  passed  almost  unanimously,  granting  imme- 
diate liberty  to  all  slaves,  without  restriction,  on  the  ioth  of  May,  1888.  Following  upon  the 
vote  of  the  Senate,  the  princess  regent  gave  the  law  her  sanction  on  the  same  day,  affixing 
her  signature  with  a handsome  gold  pen  which  had  been  purchased  by  popular  subscription 
and  presented  to  her  for  this  purpose.  The  whole  population  of  Rio  rose  in  enthusiastic 
manifestation  of  joy  over  the  event,  all  the  large  cities  of  the  empire  joining  in  the  celebra- 
tion, which  extended  throughout  all  America.  France  observed  July  10,  1888,  as  a fete-day 
in  honor  of  the  event. 

In  the  speech  from  the  throne  at  the  opening  of  parliament  on  the  3d  of  May,  1888,  the 
princess  regent  had  urged  the  passage  of  a bill  for  immediate  emancipation,  in  the  following 
language:  “To  the  honor  of  Brazil,  under  the  influence  of  national  sentiment  and  individual 
liberality,  the  extinction  of  the  servile  element  has  made  such  progress  that  it  is  to-day  a 
hope  acclaimed  by  all  classes,  with  many  admirable  examples  of  self-sacrifice  on  the  part  of 
proprietors.  Now  that  private  interest  itself  has  worked  spontaneously  to  deliver  Brazil 
from  the  unhappy  heritage  which  the  necessities  of  tillage  bequeathed,  I feel  assured  that 
you  will  not  hesitate  to  efface  from  the  national  law  the  single  exception  which  contrasts 
with  the  Christian  and  liberal  spirit  of  our  institutions.” 

And  thus  the  suppression  of  slavery  marked  another  great  event  in  the  progress  of 
Brazil,  a victory  won  entirely  in  the  forum  of  debate,  after  a mighty  clashing  of  moral 
forces,  it  is  true,  but  without  the  stain  of  a single  drop  of  blood.  Advancing  civilization 
recognizes  the  higher  standard  of  politics  which  is  expressed  by  means  of  logical  and 
just  argument  rather  than  imposed  by  the  barbarous  might  of  the  sword;  and  according 
to  this  standard  Brazil  affords  a noble  example  to  all  other  nations  of  the  world.  There 
have  been  economic  difficulties  to  face  in  consequence  of  the  sudden  cutting -off  of  the 
labor  supply  on  the  coffee  plantations,  but  every  effort  has  been  made  to  promote  immi- 
gration, and  thus  remedy  the  deficiency;  and  if  some  of  the  former  wealthy  land-owners 
have  been  reduced  to  poverty  by  the  change,  it  is  as  nothing  compared  with  the  sad  condi- 
tion of  financial  affairs  that  followed  the  emancipation  of  slaves  in  the  Southern  States  of 
the  North  American  republic. 

The  year  following  was  not  marked  by  any  evidences  of  widespread  discontent. 
Naturally,  there  was  a feeling  of  bitterness  among  some  of  the  former  slave-owners  at 
the  sudden  deprivation  which  they  suffered  from  the  law  that  took  away  from  them  what 
they  considered  rightful  property.  But  there  was  no  tendency  toward  open  revolt;  and 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


& 

when  the  emperor  visited  the  province  of  Sao  Paulo  soon  after  the  liberation  of  the  slaves, 
he  was  received  everywhere  with  demonstrations  of  the  most  friendly  character.  The  love 
of  the  people  for  their  sovereign  was  apparently  equal  to  the  severest  test,  That  of  self- 
interest,  and  in  view  of  the  generous  welcome  which  was  extended  to  him  by  those 
subjects  who  had  sustained  the  greatest  loss  through  the  signing  of  the  emancipation  bill, 
it  seems  all  the  more  difficult  to  imagine  the  combination  of  circumstances  which  was  to 
cause  the  complete  overthrow  of  his  empire  and  his  own  banishment  within  a year  from 
that  time. 


SIR  CHARLES  STUART.  THE  BRITISH  PLENIPOTENTIARY,  DELIVERING  TO  DOM  PEDRO  I. 
HIS  MAJESTY'S  RECOGNITION  OF  THE  EMPIRE  OF  BRAZIL. 


PALACE  OF  AGRICULTURE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


CHAPTER  III 


THE  FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  THE  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 

TN  order  to  appreciate  the  original  causes  that 
* led  to  the  downfall  of  the  empire  and  the 
establishment  of  a republic  in  Brazil,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  trace  the  political  history  of  the  country 
back  to  colonial  days.  For  the  principles  of 
republicanism  that  found  their  final  triumph  in 
the  events  of  November,  1889,  were  rooted  deep 
in  the  Brazilian  character,  which  has  always 
been  possessed  of  a goodly  share  of  the  New 
World  spirit  of  independence.  Even  in  the  days 
of  her  swaddling  clothes,  her  people  manifested, 
in  no  uncertain  manner,  that  “god-like  discon- 
tent” with  existing  conditions  which  is  one  of 
the  healthy  signs  of  progress. 

As  early  as  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth 
century,  the  crown  of  Portugal  recognized  as 
an  independent  State  the  territory  then  governed 
by  Joao  Ramalho  in  the  present  State  of  Sao 
Paulo,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Sao  Andre.  It 
was  really  a republic  in  the  midst  of  a royal  colony  and  it  thrived  for  more  than  a hundred 
years,  until  King  Joao  IV.  ascended  the  throne  of  Portugal  in  1640.  The  inhabitants  had 
maintained  their  independence  throughout  the  period  of  Spanish  domination  which  had 
resulted  from  the  union  of  the  Spanish  and  Portuguese  crowns  in  1^80,  and  they  were 
prepared  to  refuse  allegiance  to  the  Portuguese  king  when  the  power  of  that  monarchy 
was  restored.  They  demanded  that  noblemen  of  disinterested  Christian  blood  should  be 
sent  to  govern  them  and  refused  to  acknowledge  any  ruler  who  would  not  protect  them  in 

their  rights.  When  called  upon  to  swear  allegiance  to  King  Dorn  Joao  IV.  of  Portugal,  they 

61 


MONUMENT  OF  THE  DUKE  DE  CAXIAS. 


62 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


brought  out  a ruler  of  their  own,  and  would  have  placed  him  in  authority  had  he  not 
defeated  their  purpose  by  proclaiming  his  allegiance  to  the  king.  This  republic  declined, 
without  its  originators  suspecting  that  they  had  founded  one,  but  the  spirit  of  independence 
and  enterprise  exhibited  itself  in  their  descendants,  and  contributed  to  make  the  Paulistas 
the  energetic  and  progressive  people  they  have  been  in  the  development  of  their  country, 
always  among  the  foremost  leaders  in  the  political  and  educational  advancement  of  Brazil. 

The  republican  conspiracy  of  1789,  while  it  amounted  to  little  in  actual  results,  was, 
nevertheless,  a strong  influence  in  the  development  of  republican  principles;  it  was  one  of 
those  political  “straws  that  show  which  way  the  wind  blows.”  Had  it  not  been  for  the  re- 
moval of  the  Portuguese  court  to  Brazil,  which  resulted  in  raising  the  struggling  and  oppressed 
colony  to  the  dignity  and  advantages  of  a kingdom,  with  its  ports  open  to  commerce  and 
its  industries  free  to  development,  it  is  more  than  likely  that  republicanism  would  have 
made  progress  earlier  than  it  did,  and  the  “Tiradentes”  conspiracy  would  have  marked  more 
than  the  beginning  of  a determined  struggle  for  constitutional  liberty.  Under  the  circum- 
stances, it  was,  no  doubt,  at  that  time  best  for  Brazil  that  events  occurred  as  they  did,  for  the 
new  country  took  a long  stride  forward  during  the  few  years  that  followed  the  establishment 
of  the  court  at  her  capital,  notwithstanding  the  evils  which  attended  the  benefits  received; 
and  during  all  this  time  the  independent  spirit  of  the  nation  was  growing  healthy  and 
strong.  The  sentiment  that  sprang  into  living  action  when  the  Cortes  tried  to  inflict  arbitrary 
measures  upon  the  young  government  in  1822,  was  the  same  in  principle  as  that  which 
caused  the  famous  “Boston  Tea  Party”  in  the  New  England  colony.  That  Brazil  became 
an  empire  instead  of  a republic  at  the  time,  was  due,  in  a great  measure,  to  the  peculiar 
circumstances  of  her  position.  Even  as  it  was,  an  important  advance  was  made  toward 
the  destined  goal  when  her  independence  from  Portugal  was  secured  and  a constitutional 
system  of  rule  established  by  her  own  people.  The  history  of  the  reign  of  the  Emperor 
Dom  Pedro  1.  is  a record  of  persistent  and  determined  struggles  for  national  liberty  as 
opposed  to  monarchical  domination.  The  first  emperor  always  maintained  that  he  was 
governing  within  the  rights  granted  him  by  the  Constitution.  The  people  did  not  accept 
his  views,  and  he  was  forced  to  abdicate.  They  asked  the  second  emperor  to  revise  the 
Constitution,  which  he  refused  to  do;  and  when  his  ministers  took  advantage  of  the 
authority  it  gave,  and  imposed  unjust  measures,  especially  through  the  centralizing  system, 
which  was  responsible  for  so  many  abuses  in  the  provinces,  the  people  became  more 
and  more  determined  in  their  opposition  to  the  monarchy.  Republicanism  grew  rapidly  and 
spread  its  influence  through  all  parts  of  the  empire,  the  government  support  became  weaker 
and  weaker,  until  there  was  no  longer  any  question  in  the  public  mind  regarding  the 
inevitable  outcome,  which  waited  only  for  a favorable  opportunity  to  become  manifested. 
The  revolution  of  1889,  accomplished  without  bloodshed,  would  seem  to  indicate  a people 
obedient  to  law,  not  prone  to  violent  action,  essentially  dissatisfied  with  the  monarchical 
system  and  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  republican  idea.  As  a matter  of  fact,  the  existence 
of  the  imperial  government  had  been  merely  tolerated  for  some  time,  and  it  was  only  a 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


63 


question  of  the  fitness  of  the  occasion  when  the  change  should  be  brought  about.  The 
ruling  emperor,  Dom  Pedro  II.,  was  well  beloved  by  his  people,  and  it  was  generally 
understood  that  no  steps  would  be  taken  to  overthrow  the  empire  during  his  lifetime, 
particularly  as  he  was  a man  of  advanced  years  and  in  failing  health.  But  a succession  of 
events  occurred  which  led  so  unavoidably  to  the  climax,  that  there  was  no  possibility 
of  pursuing  any  other 
course  than  the  one 
chosen,  which,  resulted, 
in  November,  1889,  in 
the  establishment  of  the 
republic  and  the  banish- 
ment of  the  imperial 
family. 

The  first  signs  of 
the  approaching  storm 
began  to  show  them- 
selves when  it  was  ru- 
mored that  the  emperor 
intended  to  abdicate  on 
the  2d  of  December, 
his  birthday,  in  favor 
of  his  daughter,  the 
Crown-Princess  Donna 
Isabel,  whose  acces- 
sion to  the  throne  was 
not  considered  desir- 
able. The  Republican 
party,  whose  two  chief 
strongholds  consisted  of 
the  “Associated  Republi- 
can Leagues,”  organized 


mainly  by  Quintino  Bo- 
cayuva,  and  the  “Mili- 
tary Club,”  founded  by 

Deodoro  da  Fonseca  at  the  close  of  the  Paraguayan  war,  determined  to  thwart  the  imperial 
plans  for  the  succession,  and  immediately  began  preparations  toward  that  end.  The  army 
and  navy  were  dissatisfied  with  the  restrictions  put  upon  their  authority  by  the  ministry, 
and  the  army  was  especially  discontented  because  of  the  refusal  of  a petition  for  increased 
pay;  so  that  the  government  had  good  reason  to  fear  their  opposition.  In  order  to  counter- 
act these  adverse  influences,  the  Count  d’Eu,  husband  of  the  Princess  Isabel,  undertook  to 


THE  STOCK  EXCHANGE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO, 


64 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


create  a strong  Imperial  Guard  of  Honor  as  a counterpoise  to  the  power  of  the  army,  in  case 
the  latter  should  actively  oppose  the  imperial  claims  of  the  crown-princess;  and,  in  addition 
to  this  movement,  arrangements  were  made  to  disperse  the  army  over  the  remote  provinces 
of  the  interior,  so  that  military  opposition  would  thereby  be  effectually  weakened  in  any 
crisis  that  might  arise.  Everything  was  ready  for  the  carrying  out  of  these  projects,  and 
the  15th  of  November  was  the  day  set  for  the  departure  of  the  troops  to  the  interior; 
on  that  day,  the  government  suddenly  found  itself  facing  the  revolution  which  overcame 
it  and  overthrew  the  empire  in  twenty-four  hours.  The  members  of  the  emperor’s 
cabinet  at  this  time  were:  Imperial  Prime  Minister  and  Minister  of  Finance,  Viscount 
de  Ouro  Preto;  Minister  of  the  Interior,  Baron  de  Loreto;  Minister  of  Justice,  Senator 
Candido  de  Oliveira;  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  Dr.  Diana;  Minister  of  the  Army,  Viscount 
de  Maralaju;  Minister  of  the  Navy,  Baron  de  Ladoris;  Minister  of  Agriculture,  Laurengo  de 
Albuquerque. 

On  the  morning  of  the  15th  of  November,  as  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  was  leaving  the 
imperial  chapel  at  his  summer  residence  in  Petropolis  after  the  service  of  Mass,  he  was 
handed  a telegram  from  the  prime  minister,  requesting  him  to  come  to  Rio  immediately, 
as  insurgents  had  placed  the  city  under  siege,  and  artillery  commanded  the  streets.  The 
emperor  at  once  complied  with  the  request.  On  his  arrival  at  the  imperial  palace  in  Rio, 
it  was  promptly  surrounded  by  the  revolutionary  troops,  and  the  following  manifesto  was 
read,  proclaiming  the  republic: 

“Fellow-citizens:  The  people  of  the  army  and  navy  are  in  perfect  accord  with  the 
sentiments  of  our  fellow-citizens  residing  in  the  provinces.  The  fall  of  the  imperial  dynasty 
has  just  been  decreed,  and  the  consequent  destruction  of  the  monarchical  system.  As  an 
immediate  result  of  this  national  revolution,  essentially  patriotic  in  its  character,  there  has 
just  been  established  a provisional  government  whose  principal  mission  is  to  guarantee  the 
maintenance  of  public  order  and  the  protection  of  the  liberty  and  rights  of  citizens.  To  carry 
on  the  government  until  the  sovereign  nation  can,  through  its  constitutional  organization, 
select  a definite  government,  the  undersigned  citizens  were  appointed  as  the  chief  executive 
power  of  the  nation. 

“Fellow-citizens:  The  Provisional  Government — simply  the  temporary  agent  of  the 
national  sovereignty — is  the  government  of  peace,  liberty,  fraternity,  and  order.  It  will  use 
the  attributes  and  extraordinary  powers  with  which  it  is  vested  for  the  defence  of  the 
subjects  of  the  country  and  of  public  order.  The  Provisional  Government,  by  all  the  means 
at  its  command,  promises  to  guarantee  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  Brazil,  native  and  foreign, 
security  of  life  and  property,  and  to  respect  their  rights,  both  individual  and  political,  except 
when  they  require  to  be  limited  for  the  good  of  the  country  and  for  the  legitimate  defence 
of  the  government  proclaimed  by  the  people,  by  the  army,  and  by  the  navy. 

“The  ordinary  functions  of  justice,  as  well  as  those  of  civil  and  military  administration, 
will  continue  to  be  exercised  by  those  bodies  heretofore  existing.  In  regard  to  those  holding 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


6? 


office,  the  rights  acquired  by  each  functionary  will  be  respected.  The  abolition  of  the  Senate 
is  decreed,  and  also  of  the  Council  of  State.  The  Chamber  of  Deputies  is  declared  dissolved. 

“Fellow-citizens:  The  Provisional  Government  recognizes  and  acknowledges  all  the 
national  engagements  contracted  by  the  former  government:  the  treaties  with  foreign  powers; 
the  public  debt,  both  in- 
ternal and  foreign;  the 
contracts  now  in  force, 
and  the  obligations  le- 
gally established.” 


This  manifesto  was 
signed  by  Marshal  Deo- 
doro  da  Fonseca,  chief 
of  the  Provisional  Gov- 
ernment ; Aristides  da 
Silveira  Lobo,  Minister 
of  the  Interior;  Ruy 
Barbosa,  Minister  of 
Finance  and  Justice; 
Benjamin  Constant,  Min- 
ister of  War;  Eduardo 
Wandenkolk,  Minister  of 
Marine;  Quintino  Boca- 
yuva,  Minister  of  Foreign 
Affairs. 

After  the  reading 
of  the  manifesto,  Dorn 
Pedro  held  a meeting  of 
his  ministers  and  coun- 
cillors of  State.  He  en- 
deavored to  form  a new 


ministry,  with  Saraiva  at  the  post  office,  rio  de  Janeiro. 

the  head,  but  Marshal 

Deodoro  da  Fonseca  objected  to  this,  and  sent  the  following  message  to  the  emperor: 
“The  democratic  sentiments  of  the  nation,  combined  with  resentment  at  the  systematic 
repressive  measures  of  the  government  against  the  army  and  navy,  and  the  spoliation 
of  their  rights,  have  brought  about  the  revolution.  In  the  face  of  this  situation,  the 
presence  of  the  imperial  family  is  impossible.  Yielding,  therefore,  to  the  exigencies  of 
the  national  voice,  the  Provisional  Government  is  compelled  to  request  you  to  depart  from 
Brazilian  territory  with  your  family  within  twenty-four  hours.  The  government  will  provide 


66 


THE  HEIV  BRAZIL 


at  its  own  expense  the  proper  means  for  transport,  and  will  afford  protection  for  the  imperial 
family  during  their  embarkation.  The  government  will  also  continue  the  imperial  dowry 
fixed  by  law  until  the  constituted  Assembly  decides  thereon.  The  country  expects  that  you 
will  know  how  to  imitate  the  example  set  by  the  first  emperor  of  Brazil  on  April  7,  1831.” 

Dom  Pedro’s  answer  to  this  communication,  which  was  promptly  sent  to  Fonseca  on 
the  same  day,  was  as  follows:  “Yielding  to  the  imperiousness  of  circumstances,  I have 
resolved  to  set  out  with  my  family  to-morrow  for  Europe,  leaving  this  country  so  dear  to 
us  all,  and  to  which  I have  endeavored  to  give  constant  proofs  of  deep  love  during  the 
nearly  half  a century  in  which  I have  discharged  the  office  of  chief  of  State.  While  thus 
leaving  with  my  whole  family,  I shall  ever  retain  for  Brazil  the  most  heartfelt  affection  and 
ardent  good  wishes  for  her  prosperity.” 

On  the  same  day,  the  Countess  d’Eu,  Princess  Isabel,  issued  the  following  manifesto: 
“ With  a broken  heart  I part  from  my  friends,  from  the  whole  people  of  Brazil,  and  from  my 
country,  which  I have  so  loved  and  still  do  love,  toward  whose  happiness  1 have  done 
my  best  to  contribute,  and  for  which  I shall  ever  entertain  the  most  ardent  good  wishes.” 

The  Count  d’Eu  wrote  to  the  Minister  of  War,  resigning  command  of  the  artillery,  and 
requesting  leave  to  go  abroad,  adding  that  he  had  loyally  served  Brazil,  and  that  but  for  the 
circumstances  which  obliged  him  to  quit  the  country,  he  would  be  ready  to  serve  it  under 
any  form  of  government. 

At  two  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  the  following  day,  General  Deodoro  sent  one  of  his 
officers  and  a detachment  of  soldiers  with  orders  to  the  imperial  family  to  embark  forthwith, 
it  being  deemed  unadvisable  to  wait  until  daylight  lest  some  demonstration  in  the  streets 
might  lead  to  bloodshed.  The  Crown-Princess  Isabel,  the  Count  d’Eu,  and  their  children 
walked  to  the  quay,  which  was  but  a short  distance  from  the  Palace,  followed  immediately 
by  the  emperor  and  empress  in  a carriage  guarded  by  troops.  The  party  embarked  on  a 
steam-launch,  and  were  taken  on  board  a man-of-war  which  conveyed  them  to  Ilha  Grande 
(the  present  quarantine  station,  about  sixty  miles  from  the  capital),  where  they  remained 
until  the  afternoon,  when  they  were  transferred  to  the  steamship  Alagoas,  accompanied  by 
two  lieutenants  of  the  navy  commissioned  to  see  that  the  steamer  went  direct  to  Lisbon. 
The  Alagoas  was  also  convoyed  a part  of  the  way  by  the  Brazilian  ironclad  Riachuelo. 

The  first  official  notification  of  the  revolution  sent  abroad  was  directed  to  the  Brazilian 
legation  in  London,  and  read  as  follows: 

“Brazilian  Minister,  London: 

“The  government  is  constituted  as  the ‘Republic  of  the  United  States  of  Brazil,’ the 
monarchy  is  deposed,  and  the  imperial  family  have  left  the  country.  Tranquillity  and 
general  satisfaction  prevail.  The  executive  power  is  intrusted  to  a Provisional  Government, 
whose  head  is  Marshal  Deodoro,  with  myself  as  Finance  Minister.  The  Republic  respects 
all  engagements,  obligations,  and  contracts  of  the  State. 

“ Ruy  Barbosa,  Finance  Minister .” 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


67 


It  is  a remarkable  fact,  and  one  without  a parallel  in  history,  that  within  a few  days  after 
the  proclamation  of  the  republic  there  was,  in  the  general  appearance  of  things,  little  to 
indicate  that  the  empire  had  ever  existed.  The  revolution  was  carried  out  with  a sobriety,  a 
coolness,  an  attention  to  detail,  and  a general  finish  about  all  the  arrangements,  which  in  all 
the  circumstances  of  the  case  were  really  remarkable.  Everything  indicated  that  the  leaders 
of  the  revolution  did  nothing  more  than  peacefully  enact  a change  upon  which  the  heart  of 
the  country  had  long  been  set. 

In  the  carrying  out  of  their  programme,  the  republicans  showed  no  animosity  toward 
the  old  emperor,  for  whom,  personally,  there  was  a general  feeling  of  regard.  Their  quarrel 
was  not  with  the  gentle  scholar  who  represented  in  his  person  the  monarchical  government, 
but  with  the  system  itself  and  the  constituted  authorities  who  had  abused  its  powers.  Dom 
Pedro  II.  was  a man  of  many  good  qualities,  a student,  and  a lover  of  science.  Agassiz  once 
said  of  him:  “Alas!  Dom  Pedro  is  a most  unfortunate  man;  for,  if  he  were  not  an  emperor, 
he  would  be  a scientist.”  An  impartial  biographer  describes  him  as  “not  a man  born  to 
rule  millions.”  Art,  engineering,  classic  lore,  nothing  came  amiss  to  him,  and  he  talked 
equally  well  on  all  subjects,  showing  a remarkable  memory  and  wonderful  versatility.  He  was 
refined  and  courtly  in  manner,  and  scrupulously  careful  to  avoid  hurting  the  susceptibilities 
of  others.  He  never  refused  to  visit  a school,  a hospital,  or  institution  of  any  kind;  he 
was  in  his  element  in  any  international  exhibition,  equally  interested  in  every  department. 
He  gave  foreigners  of  culture  a cordial  welcome  to  his  court,  whatever  might  be  their  social 
position;  and  he  expected  every  Brazilian  to  have  tastes  similar  to  his  own.  As  a natural 
consequence,  his  court  was  noted  for  its  culture  and  simplicity,  and  the  Brazilian  nobility 
were  distinguished  for  intellectual  accomplishments  and  refinement  rather  than  for  magnifi- 
cent display.  Though  Dom  Pedro  II.  was  not  gifted  with  the  more  dominating  qualities  of 
a ruler  he  had  the  best  royal  blood  of  Europe  in  his  veins.  He  was  descended  from  the 
Hapsburgs,  the  Bourbons,  and  the  Braganzas.  By  marriage,  he  was  related  to  the  royal  and 
imperial  families  of  England,  France,  Russia,  Spain,  and  Italy,  and  his  relatives  ranked  from 
the  most  despotic  of  rulers  to  the  mildest  of  constitutional  monarchs.  He  married,  in  1843, 
the  Princess  Theresa  Christina  Maria,  daughter  of  King  Francis  I.  of  the  Sicilies,  and  their 
family  consisted  of  two  sons,  who  died  in  childhood,  and  two  daughters,  one  of  whom  is 
still  living  and  has  her  residence  in  Paris, — the  Princess  Isabel,  wife  of  the  Count  d’Eu,  and 
mother  of  three  sons,  Dom  Pedro,  Dom  Luis,  and  Dom  Antonio.  The  Princess  Leopoldina, 
younger  sister  of  the  Princess  Isabel,  died  in  1871,  leaving  four  sons,  of  whom  three  are 
living, — Dom  Pedro  Auguste,  Dom  Auguste,  and  Dom  Louis  Gaston.  Dom  Pedro  II.  had 
three  sisters,  of  whom  the  eldest  was  Queen  Maria  II.  of  Portugal;  the  others,  Donna  Januaria, 
who  married  Prince  Louis  of  Bourbon,  Count  of  Aquila;  and  Donna  Francisca,  who  married 
the  Prince  de  Joinville,  son  of  Louis  Philippe.  Dom  Pedro  died  at  Paris,  on  the  7th  of 
December,  1891,  and  was  buried  in  Lisbon,  the  home  of  his  ancestors. 

Many  causes  have  been  suggested  as  having  led  to  the  fall  of  Dom  Pedro  and  of  the 
empire,  and  conservatives  in  Europe  asserted  that  the  Brazilian  empire  fell  on  account 


68 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


of  its  liberalism.  But  Castelar  came  nearer  the  true  cause  when  he  intimated  that  an 
empire  surrounded  by  republics  and  unable  to  keep  its  great  army  continually  amused  by 
conquest  and  military  glory  had  in  it  the  element  of  death — the  seed  of  a better  life.  “When 
the  time  came,”  says  Castelar,  “a  worn-out  regime  was  supplanted  by  the  fitting  organism 
of  contemporary  democracy.”  This  seems  to  be  about  the  real  gist  of  the  case;  monarchy 
had  run  its  course,  and  could  no  longer  exist  upon  American  soil.  The  rule  of  Dorn  Pedro 
was  not  particularly  irksome;  in  fact,  the  monarch  himself  was  well  beloved,  but  during 
his  reign  the  psychological  moment  arrived  for  the  institution  of  a republic.  It  was  not  a 


MISERICORD1A  HOSPITAL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


question  regarding  the  reigning  sovereign;  the  handwriting  was  upon  the  wall,  the  people 
felt  inspired  to  obey  its  mandates,  and  so  the  shadow  of  the  crown  passed  away  from  Brazil 
forever.  Other  causes  may  have  hastened  a result  that  could  not,  in  any  event,  have  long 
been  stayed.  As  Castelar  says:  “The  hour  had  come.”  And  with  that  hour  a new  republic 
was  created,  almost  without  disturbing  circumstances.  Everything  was  ready  and  await- 
ing it.  On  January  29,  1890,  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America  formally  recog- 
nized the  Provisional  Government  by  accepting  the  credentials  of  J.  G.  do  Amaral  Valente  as 
Minister  to  the  United  States,  and  of  Senhor  Salvador  de  Mendonga  as  minister  on  a special 
mission  to  the  United  States. 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


69 


Among  the  first  acts  of  the  Provisional  Government  was  the  issuing  of  a decree  granting 
the  right  of  suffrage  to  every  male  Brazilian  citizen  who  could  read  and  write,  unless 
deprived  of  his  civil  and  political  rights,  the  electoral  process  being  left  to  the  decision  of 
the  Minister  of  the  Interior.  A commission  was  next  appointed,  consisting  of  Dr.  Joaquim 
Saldanho  Marinho,  president,  and  Dr.  Americo  Brasiliense  de  Almeida  Mello,  Dr.  Antonio 
Luiz  dos  Santos  Werneck,  Dr.  Francisco  Rangel  Pestana,  and  Dr.  Jose  Antonio  Pereira 
de  Magalhaes  Castro,  to  prepare  the  draft  of  a Federal  Constitution.  On  December  21st,  a 
decree  was  issued  naming  September  1^,  1890,  as  the  time  for  holding  a general  election 
for  delegates  to  the  Constituent  Assembly,  and  November  1^,  1890,  the  anniversary  of 
the  revolution,  as  the  date  for  its  first  session,  which  should  take  place  at  Rio  de  Janeiro. 
A confederation  of  twenty  States,  consisting  of  the  former  provinces,  was  formed,  adding 
the  Federal  district  of  the  capital.  The  separation  of  Church  and  State  was  declared,  and 
State  patronage  of  religious  institutions  abolished,  though  it  was  guaranteed  to  furnish 
ecclesiastical  revenue  and  support  for  the  actual  personnel  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and 
to  subsidize  the  seminary  professorships  for  one  year.  Titles  of  rank  were  abolished, 
though  those  who  possessed  them  were  allowed  by  courtesy  to  bear  them  still.  An  order 
of  the  Legion  of  Honor  was  created  and  the  Military  Cross  was  retained.  All  other  orders 
were  abolished.  Officials  who  adhered  to  the  monarchy  were  allowed  to  retire  and  a 
few  were  discharged.  Public  institutions,  vessels  of  the  navy,  etc.,  which  had  been 
named  in  honor  of  the  banished  dynasty,  were  christened  afresh,  the  crown  emblems 
were  everywhere  replaced  by  stars,  and  a new  national  flag  was  adopted  by  a decree 
signed  on  the  19th  of  November,  1889.  This  flag  while  changed  in  some  respects  from 
the  emblem  of  the  empire,  preserves  the  old  national  colors,  the  government  considering 
that,  as  they  remind  the  people  of  many  hard-fought  battles  and  glorious  victories  of  the 
army  and  navy  in  defence  of  their  country,  they  should  be  retained  to  symbolize,  inde- 
pendently of  the  form  of  government,  the  perpetuity  and  integrity  of  the  country  among 
the  nations.  Accordingly,  the  flag  adopted  by  the  republic  maintains  the  tradition  of  the 
old  national  colors, — green  and  yellow, — having  a yellow  lozenge  on  a green  ground,  and 
in  the  centre  a blue  sphere  crossed  by  a white  zone  descending  obliquely  from  left  to 
right,  bearing  the  motto:  Ordem  e Progresso  [order  and  progress];  in  the  blue  sphere  are 
twenty-one  stars,  including  the  famous  “Southern  Cross,”  placed  according  to  the  correct 
astronomical  situation,  representing  the  twenty  States  of  the  Union  and  the  Federal  district. 
The  decree  authorizing  the  adoption  of  the  new  flag  bears  the  signatures  of  the  provisional 
President  and  his  cabinet:  Manoel  Deodoro  da  Fonseca,  Aristides  da  Silveira  Lobo,  Ruy 
Barbosa,  Quintino  Bocayuva,  Manoel  Ferraz  de  Campos  Salles,  Benjamin  Constant,  and 
Eduardo  Wandenkolk. 

It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  absolute  harmony  would  reign  from  the  beginning  in  all 
departments  of  the  government  under  such  a radical  change  in  the  whole  order  of  things. 
Signs  of  discontent  appeared  when  the  governors  and  assemblies  of  the  several  provinces 
were  dismissed  and  their  places  filled  principally  from  the  military  ranks;  when  commissions 


7o 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


were  appointed  to  govern  in  the  place  of  the  city  councils  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  Para;  and 
more  especially  when  prolonged  delay  occurred  in  calling  the  constitutional  convention, 
which  led  to  a suspicion  that  the  new  Constitution  was  to  be  promulgated  by  a decree 
without  being  submitted  to  the  approval  of  the  people.  However,  no  very  serious  disturb- 
ance occurred,  and  when  Congress  met,  its  first  efforts  were  directed  to  adopting  or  amending 
the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  submitted  for  its  approval  by  the  commission  that  had 

drafted  it.  When  the  articles 
were  finally  adopted,  an  elec- 
tion was  held,  Marshal  Deodoro 
da  Fonseca  was  made  Presi- 
dent, the  first  of  the  republic 
of  Brazil,  and  members  were 
elected  to  the  Senate  and  House 
of  Representatives. 

At  the  first  election  under 
the  new  government,  the  Sen- 
ate had  63  members,  3 from 
each  State  and  3 from  the  Fed- 
eral district.  The  Chamber  of 
Deputies  had  207  members, 
of  which  there  were  37  from 
Minas  Geraes;  22  from  each  of 
the  two  States  of  Sao  Paulo  and 
Bahia;  17  from  each  of  the  two 
States  of  Rio  and  Pernambuco; 
16  from  Rio  Grande  do  Sul;  10 
from  Ceara;  10  from  the  Fed- 
eral district;  7 from  each  of 
the  two  States  of  Para  and 
Maranhao;  6 from  Alagoas;  7 
from  Parahyba;  4 from  each 
rua  do  ouvidor,  Rio  de  Janeiro.  of  the  five  States  of  Piauhy, 

Rio  Grande  do  Norte,  Sergipe, 
Parana,  and  Santa  Catharina;  3 from  Goyaz,  and  2 from  each  of  the  States  of  Amazonas, 
Espirito  Santo,  and  Matto  Grosso. 

The  creation  of  the  new  republic  required  the  determined  will  and  unswerving  patriotism 
of  her  people;  the  preparation  of  a Constitution  for  her  future  government  demanded  not 
only  these  qualities,  but,  in  addition,  clear-headed  judgment  and  executive  genius  in  the 
leaders  chosen  to  represent  her  interests.  After  years  of  trial,  during  which  the  new  republic 
has  encountered  all  the  discouraging  factors  that  invariably  hamper  the  progress  of  the 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


7i 


inexperienced,  results  prove  how  perfectly  the  fathers  of  republicanism  understood  the  needs 
of  the  nation,  and  with  what  wisdom  they  accomplished  the  most  difficult  of  all  problems  to 
a young  republic, — the  successful  adoption  of  a national  constitution.  An  apparently  insig- 
nificant blunder  might  have  been  fatal ; any  selfish  designs  on  the  part  of  its  projectors  must 
have  defeated  its  main  purpose,  and  brought  a train  of  disastrous  consequences;  if  ever  the 
country  needed  a tower  of  strength,  a firm  and  steady  “ship  of  State’’  that  would  carry  her 
safely  through  the  storm  she  had  raised  and  out  on  the  smooth  sea  of  national  content,  it 
was  at  this  time,  and  everything  depended  upon  the  builders.  And  they  were  grand 
unflinching  patriots,  every  one  of  them,  fully  appreciating  their  responsibility  and  ready  to 
meet  it  like  men. 

The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  of  Brazil  is  embraced  under  five  heads,  treating, 
respectively,  of  the  Federal  organization,  the  States,  municipalities,  citizenship,  and  general 
matters,  and  of  ninety-one  articles  numbered  consecutively.  Under  the  first  heading  are 
three  sections,  appropriated,  respectively,  to  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  power;  and 
under  the  fourth  heading  are  two  sections,  one  of  which  specifies  the  qualifications  of 
citizenship,  the  other  containing  a declaration  of  rights.  The  Constitution  is  modelled  closely 
after  that  of  the  United  States  of  America.  Among  its  leading  features  are  the  following: 

The  Federal  government  cannot  intervene  in  the  internal  affairs  of  the  States,  except  to 
repel  foreign  invasion,  or  invasion  from  one  State  into  another;  to  maintain  the  republican 
federative  form  of  government;  to  reestablish  order  and  tranquillity  in  the  States,  upon 
requisition  of  the  local  authorities;  to  ensure  the  execution  of  the  laws  of  Congress  and 
compliance  with  Federal  decisions. 

The  Union  has  exclusive  power  over  taxes  on  imports,  the  entry,  clearance,  and  port 
dues  of  ships;  general  stamp  taxes;  taxes  on  Federal  posts  and  telegraphs;  the  creation  and 
maintenance  of  custom  houses;  and  the  establishment  of  banks  of  issue. 

The  States  have  exclusive  power  to  levy  taxes  upon  the  exportation  of  merchandise 
of  their  own  production ; upon  landed  property,  upon  the  transfer  of  property,  upon  indus- 
tries and  professions,  and  upon  their  own  posts  and  telegraphs.  A State  may  tax  the 
importation  of  foreign  merchandise  only  when  it  is  destined  for  consumption  in  its  own 
territory,  the  product  of  the  tax  reverting  to  the  Federal  treasury. 

It  is  forbidden  to  the  States,  as  well  as  to  the  Union,  to  levy  taxes  on  the  transit  through 
the  territory  of  a State,  or  in  the  passage  from  one  State  to  another,  of  the  products  of  other 
States  of  the  republic  or  of  foreign  countries,  or  upon  the  vehicles,  on  land  or  water,  by  which 
they  are  carried;  to  establish,  subsidize,  or  embarrass  the  exercise  of  religious  worship;  and 
to  enact  retroactive  laws. 

The  right  of  the  Union  and  of  the  States  to  legislate  upon  railways  and  internal  naviga- 
tion is  to  be  promulgated  by  a law  of  the  national  Congress. 

The  legislative  authority  is  vested  in  a Congress  composed  of  a Senate  and  Chamber 
of  Deputies,  holding  a regular  annual  session  beginning  on  the  3d  of  May  of  each  year. 
The  duration  of  each  Congress  is  three  years.  The  presence  of  a majority  of  its  members  is 


72 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


necessary  to  form  a quorum  of  either  house,  the  two  houses  meeting  separately  and  holding 
public  sessions,  unless  a secret  meeting  is  ordered  by  a majority  vote  of  the  members. 

The  general  conditions  required  for  eligibility  to  the  national  Congress  are:  to  be  in 
possession  of  electoral  rights;  to  be  a Brazilian  citizen  for  over  four  years  in  the  case  of  a 
Deputy,  and  for  more  than  six  years  in  the  case  of  a Senator. 

It  belongs  exclusively  to  the  national  Congress  to  estimate  the  revenue  and  fix  the 
expenditure  annually;  to  authorize  the  executive  power  to  contract  loans  and  obtain  credits; 
to  legislate  as  to  the  public  debt  and  establish  means  for  its  payment;  to  regulate  the  collection 
and  distribution  of  the  national  revenues;  to  regulate  international  trade  as  well  as  that 
between  the  States  and  the  Federal  district,  and  to  create  p'orts  of  entry ; to  legislate  as  to 


THE  INSANE  ASYLUM,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


navigation  on  rivers  that  wash  more  than  one  State  or  run  through  foreign  territory;  to  decide 
the  weight,  value,  inscription,  standard,  and  denomination  of  coins;  to  create  banks  of  issue, 
legislate  upon  them,  and  tax  them;  to  fix  the  standard  of  weights  and  measures;  definitely 
to  decide  as  to  the  limits  of  the  States  between  each  other  or  as  touching  the  Federal  district, 
or  of  those  adjoining  territory  of  other  countries;  to  authorize  the  government  to  declare 
war  and  make  peace;  definitely  to  decide  as  to  treaties  and  conventions  with  foreign  nations; 
to  change  the  capital  of  the  Union;  to  concede  subsidies  as  to  the  States  when  authorized 
by  the  Constitution ; to  legislate  upon  the  service  of  post  offices  and  telegraphs,  the  organi- 
zation of  the  army  and  navy,  the  civil,  criminal,  and  commercial  laws  of  the  republic,  public 
lands  and  mines,  higher  education  in  the  Federal  district;  to  adopt  regulations  to  secure  the 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


73 


safety  of  the  frontiers;  to  fix  annually  the  land  and  naval  forces;  to  concede  or  refuse 
passage  to  foreign  troops  through  the  country  for  military  operations;  to  call  out  and  utilize 
the  National  Guard  and  civic  militia  in  cases  provided  for  by  the  Constitution;  to  declare 
under  martial  law  one  or  more  localities  of  the  national  territory,  in  the  emergency  of  aggres- 
sion by  foreign  troops  or  of  domestic  commotion;  to  regulate  the  conditions  and  process  of 
election  for  Federal  offices  throughout  the  country;  to  establish  uniform  laws  of  naturaliza- 
tion; to  create  and  suppress  Federal  public  offices,  to  determine  their  powers  and  duties, 
and  to  fix  their  salaries;  to  organize  the  Federal  judiciary;  to  concede  amnesty;  to  commute 
and  pardon  penalties  upon  Federal  functionaries  for  official  crimes;  to  enact  special  laws  for 
the  Federal  district;  to  subject  to  special  legislation  the  portions  of  the  territory  of  the 
republic  necessary  for  arsenals  or  other  establishments  and  institutions  of  Federal  utility;  to 
regulate  the  cases  for  interstate  extradition ; to  decree  the  laws  and  resolutions  needful  for 
the  exercise  of  the  powers  with  which  the  Constitution  invests  the  government  of  the 
Union;  to  decree  the  organic  laws  for  the  complete  execution  of  the  Constitution. 

The  veto  power  of  the  President  and  the  procedure  thereon  are  in  all  respects  like  those 
under  the  Federal  Constitution  of  the  United  States;  as  are  also  the  relations  sustained  by 
the  ministers  of  State  to  the  President  and  Congress. 

The  President  of  the  republic,  as  elective  chief  of  the  nation,  exercises  the  executive 
power.  The  Vice-President,  elected  simultaneously  with  him,  performs  the  duties  of  the 
President  in  case  of  disability  and  succeeds  him  in  case  of  vacancy;  and  if  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent is  under  disability  or  the  vice-presidency  is  vacant,  the  presidency  is  assumed  by  the 
Vice-President  of  the  Senate,  the  President  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  or  the  President  of 
the  Supreme  Federal  Tribunal,  in  the  order  named. 

To  be  eligible  for  election  to  the  presidency,  the  candidate  must  be  a native-born 
Brazilian,  in  the  exercise  of  political  rights,  and  over  thirty-five  years  of  age.  His  term 
of  office  is  four  years,  and  he  cannot  be  reelected  for  the  next  term.  The  Vice-President, 
should  he  be  called  upon  to  act  as  President  in  the  last  year  of  the  presidential  term,  cannot 
be  elected  President  for  the  next  term.  The  President  and  Vice-President  are  chosen  by 
direct  vote  of  the  people,  a majority  being  necessary  to  a choice.  The  election  is  held  on 
the  ist  of  March  of  the  last  year  of  the  presidential  term.  The  President  has  the  exclusive 
right  to  sanction,  promulgate,  and  make  public  the  laws  and  resolutions  of  Congress;  to 
issue  decrees,  instructions,  and  regulations  for  their  execution ; to  appoint  and  dismiss  the 
ministers  of  State;  to  act  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  land  and  naval  forces  of  the  republic; 
to  appoint  Federal,  civil,  and  military  officers,  except  as  the  Constitution  provides  other- 
wise; to  pardon  and  commute  penalties  for  crime  subject  to  Federal  jurisdiction,  except  as 
otherwise  provided  in  the  Constitution;  to  declare  war  and  make  peace  when  authorized 
by  Congress;  to  declare  war  immediately  in  cases  of  invasion  or  of  foreign  aggression;  to 
report  annually  to  the  national  Congress  on  the  condition  of  the  country,  recommending 
measures  and  reforms  in  a message,  which  shall  be  sent  to  the  secretary  of  the  Senate  upon 
the  opening  day  of  the  legislative  session ; to  call  extra  sessions  of  Congress ; to  appoint 


74 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Federal  magistrates;  to  appoint  the  members  of  the  Supreme  Federal  Tribunal  and  diplomatic 
ministers,  with  the  approval  of  the  Senate,  with  power  during  the  intermission  of  Congress 
to  make  temporary  appointments;  to  appoint  all  other  members  of  the  diplomatic  corps  and 

the  consular  agents ; to  maintain  rela- 
tions with  foreign  States;  to  declare, 
by  himself  or  his  responsible  agents, 
martial  law  in  any  locality  of  the  na- 
tional territory  in  cases  of  foreign  ag- 
gression or  grave  internal  commotion. 

The  President  is  subject  to  trial 
and  judgment,  for  common  crimes, 
before  the  Supreme  Federal  Tribunal, 
after  the  indictment  has  been  declared 
valid  by  the  Chamber;  and  for  im- 
peachable crimes,  before  the  Senate. 
In  the  latter  are  considered  all  those 
that  attack  the  political  existence  of  the 
Union;  the  Constitution  and  form  of 
Federal  government ; the  free  exercise 
of  political  powers;  the  enjoyment 
and  legal  exercise  of  political  or  indi- 
vidual rights;  the  internal  safety  of  the 
country;  the  integrity  of  the  adminis- 
tration; the  custody  and  constitutional 
employment  of  the  public  moneys; 
the  revenue  laws  voted  by  Congress. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  Union 
is  vested  in  a Supreme  Federal  Tribu- 
nal, seated  at  the  capital  of  the  repub- 
lic, and  as  many  Federal  judges  and 
tribunals  distributed  throughout  the 
country  as  Congress  may  create.  The 
Supreme  Federal  Tribunal  is  to  be 
composed  of  fifteen  judges,  appointed 
among  the  citizens  of  notable  wisdom 
a glimpse  of  the  old  carioca  square.  and  reputation,  eligible  to  the  Senate. 

The  Federal  judges  are  appointed  for 
life,  the  position  being  forfeitable  only  through  judicial  sentence.  Their  salaries  are  fixed  by 
law  of  Congress,  and  cannot  be  reduced.  The  President  appoints  the  Attorney-General  of 
the  republic  from  among  the  members  of  the  Supreme  Federal  Tribunal. 


FALL  OF  THE  EMPIRE  AND  GENESIS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


IS 

The  States  hold  very  much  the  same  relation  to  the  Union  as  is  the  case  in  the  United 
States  of  America.  Each  State  is  governed  by  the  constitution  and  by-laws  it  adopts,  pro- 
vided there  is  nothing  contained  therein  contrary  to  the  constitutional  principles  of  the 
Union.  Generally,  the  States  are  free  to  exercise  all  powers  and  rights  not  denied  to  them 
in  the  Constitution  of  the  republic. 

The  right  of  suffrage  is  given  to  male  citizens  upward  of  twenty-one  years  of  age,  who 
have  been  registered  according  to  law;  but  military  men  in  active  service,  members  of 
monastic  orders,  companies,  or  communities,  subject  to  vows  of  obedience  that  involve  the 
renunciation  of  individual  liberty,  paupers,  and  illiterate  persons,  are  not  permitted  to  register 
as  Federal  or  State  electors. 

The  Constitution  guarantees  the  right  of  public  meeting  without  arms,  the  right  of  petition, 
the  right  to  enter  and  leave  the  republic  in  time  of  peace  without  a passport,  the  inviolability 
of  private  residence  and  correspondence,  the  freedom  of  the  press,  and  the  privilege  of  the 
writ  of  habeas  corpus.  All  individuals  and  religious  denominations  may  publicly  and  freely 
exercise  their  worship.  The  republic  recognizes  only  civil  marriages.  Instruction  furnished 
by  public  institutions  must  be  secular.  No  denomination  or  church  can  enjoy  official  subsidy 
or  hold  relations  of  dependence  or  alliance  with  the  government  of  the  Union,  or  that  of  the 
States.  No  penalty  can  extend  beyond  the  person  of  the  delinquent.  The  punishment  of 
the  galleys  is  abolished.  The  death-penalty  is  also  abolished.  The  laws  of  the  empire, 
until  repealed,  continue  in  force  so  far  as  nor  explicitly  or  by  implication  contrary  to  the 
system  of  government  established  by  the  Constitution,  or  to  the  principles  embodied 
therein.  The  Federal  government  guarantees  the  payment  of  the  public  domestic  and 
foreign  debt. 

Every  Brazilian  is  bound  to  military  service  in  defence  of  the  country  and  the  Consti- 
tution, in  accordance  with  the  Federal  laws.  Forced  military  recruiting  is  abolished.  The 
national  army  and  navy  are  to  be  formed  by  voluntary  enlistment  or  by  conscription, 
through  a previous  enrolment.  In  no  case,  directly  or  indirectly,  alone  or  in  alliance  with 
another  nation,  will  the  United  States  of  Brazil  engage  in  a war  of  conquest. 

Important  differences  between  the  Brazilian  Constitution  and  that  of  the  United  States 
of  America  are:  In  Brazil,  the  President  cannot  be  reelected  for  a second  term.  Each  State 
has  three  Senators,  thus  avoiding  a tie.  Representatives  are  elected  for  three  years,  Senators 
for  nine  years. 

The  new  Constitution,  besides  changing  the  form  of  government,  made  decided  differ- 
ences in  the  laws  of  the  empire,  under  which  the  Roman  Catholic  had  been  the  established 
Church;  there  had  been  a considerable  property  qualification  for  voters:  Senators  had  been 
appointed  for  life  by  the  emperor  from  triple  lists  sent  up  from  the  provinces,  provincial  gov- 
ernors had  been  appointed  by  the  central  government,  and  the  powers  of  provincial  assemblies 
were  very  limited. 

Centralization  of  government,  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  term,  had  been  the  dominant 
feature  of  the  last  imperial  reign,  and  had  hampered  every  effort  made  by  the  provinces  to 


76 


THE  HEIV  BRAZIL 


advance  their  interests  and  improve  their  condition.  It  had  been  the  cause  of  constant  dis- 
content and  antagonism  against  the  ruling  powers  long  before  this  spirit  became  evident  in 
the  attitude  of  the  nation  at  large,  and  was  a potent  factor  in  creating  widespread  indifference 
toward  the  fate  of  the  monarchy  and  universal  acquiescence  in  the  plan  of  the  revolution, 
which  was  especially  welcome  because  it  promised  a change  in  this  respect,  guaranteeing 
the  establishment  of  a government  that  would  recognize  the  rights  of  the  provinces  and 
observe  their  privileges,  which,  under  the  empire,  had  been  so  persistently  and  relentlessly 
trampled  upon  and  ignored,  without  any  means  of  redress  being  afforded.  The  new  Con- 
stitution provided  a remedy  by  establishing  a system  of  federative  decentralization,  each 
province  becoming  a State  as  independent  as  one  of  the  United  States  of  America,  and  in 
this  way  receiving  every  encouragement  in  the  promotion  of  its  best  interests  and  every 
incentive  toward  improvement  and  progress  in  the  development  of  its  social  and  political 
affairs. 

Another  feature  of  the  imperial  rule  which  had  been  unpopular,  because  it  discriminated 
in  favor  of  the  rich  against  the  poor  classes,  was  the  property  qualification  required  to  ensure 
eligibility  to  the  rights  of  suffrage;  under  the  republican  Constitution,  this  disability  was 
removed,  and  free  privileges  were  granted  to  all  citizens  not  debarred  by  physical,  mental,  or 
moral  incapacity  to  fulfil  the  responsibilities  of  citizenship.  In  brief,  the  republican  Con- 
stitution, modelled  upon  a plan  of  government  “of  the  people,  for  the  people,  and  by 
the  people,”  was  so  framed  as  to  avoid  the  evils  of  class  distinction  and  a usurpation  of  the 
rights  of  the  weaker  by  the  stronger,  and  at  the  same  time  to  provide  for  “the  greatest  good 
to  the  greatest  number,”  while  looking  ever  toward  the  realization  of  the  noble  motto  of 
the  nation : Ordem  e Progresso. 


VISTA  IN  THE  PARK,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


>F  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


CHAPTER  IV 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


'"THE  inauguration  of  the  republic  of  Brazil 
* without  bloodshed  or  serious  disturb- 
ance must  always  be  regarded  as  one  of 
the  most  brilliant  events  in  the  history  of  the 
world.  For  the  first  time  in  the  annals  of 
nations,  monarchical  rule  was  overthrown 
and  a republic  established  without  the  hor- 
rors of  civil  war.  Madame  de  Stael  vainly 
hoped  that  France  would  have  the  honor  of 
such  a history,  but  Gallic  liberties,  and  free 
and  popular  governments  everywhere,  save 
in  Brazil,  have  been  purchased  with  the 
price  of  blood.  In  terrible  contrast  with 
the  record  of  this  peaceful  revolution  are  the 
bloody  pages  that  tell  how,  amid  a festival 
of  carnage  and  crime,  the  crown  and  sceptre 
of  the  old  regime  passed  away  from  France. 
The  revolution  in  Brazil  was  really  a gradual 
statue  of  general  osorio.  evolution  from  the  days  when  a sort  of  Magna 

Charta  was  obtained  from  Dom  Pedro  I.  He 
was  obliged  to  give  the  people  a large  measure  of  liberty  in  exchange  for  his  crown,  and 
he  and  his  successor  ruled  by  the  consent  of  the  governed,  not  by  divine  right.  In  the 
course  of  her  political  changes,  Brazil  has  been  singularly  free  from  retrogressive  steps. 
Every  effort  on  the  part  of  her  monarchs  to  usurp  undue  authority  has  been  met  with 
determined  resistance. 

To  those  who  did  not  appreciate  the  real  condition  of  Brazil  at  the  time  of  the  banish- 
ment of  the  royal  family,  this  act  seemed  unnecessarily  harsh,  and  one  that  might  have  been 

79 


8o 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


delayed  until  the  death  of  Dom  Pedro  II.  But  a false,  and  generally  entertained  idea 
prevailed  regarding  the  rule  of  Dom  Pedro,  based  upon  his  really  high  moral  qualities, 
but  exaggerated  by  those  whose  admiration  was  bestowed  rather  upon  the  monarch  than 
the  man.  In  the  eyes  of  Europe  and  America,  Dom  Pedro  was  esteemed  the  best  possible 
ruler  for  the  needs  of  Brazil.  But  those  who  live  under  a government  are  the  best  judges 
of  its  merits,  and  the  people  of  Brazil  chafed  under  the  absorption  of  too  much  power  by 
the  crown  in  defiance  of  constitutional  privileges  which  had  been  guaranteed  them.  The 
centralization  of  power  was  stifling  the  provinces  in  the  political  embrace  of  the  court. 
This  and  other  abuses,  such  as  constant  deficits  in  the  budget,  led  a prominent  revolu- 
tionist of  the  day  to  declare  with  bitterness  that  the  error  of  the  Brazilians  had  been  in 
warming  in  their  bosom  the  viper  of  monarchy,  whose  victim  they  had  become.  Dom 
Pedro  was  an  excellent  monarch,  but  he  represented  an  element  that  could  not  flourish 
upon  American  soil.  There  could  be  but  one  logical  outcome  to  the  long  struggle  between 
monarchical  and  democratic  principles.  The  latter  accorded  with  New-World  ideas,  and 
naturally  triumphed.  A great  law  was  behind  them,  the  law  of  the  “survival  of  the  fittest.” 
There  was  a diversity  of  opinion  at  the  time  of  the  first  election  under  the  republic  as 
to  the  wisdom  of  choosing  a military  leader  for  the  presidency,  but  the  popular  vote  favored 
this  course.  That  President  Deodoro  allowed  military  methods  to  govern  his  policy  is  not 
surprising,  and  that  mistakes  were  made  by  him  through  too  great  a confidence  in  the  neces- 
sity of  military  discipline  is  no  serious  proof  against  his  good  intentions.  Under  the  trying 
conditions  that  confronted  the  young  republic,  the  great  marvel  is  that  matters  progressed 
as  favorably  as  they  did.  The  first  signs  of  discord  appeared  when  Congress,  immediately 
after  the  election,  began  to  inquire  into  the  actions  of  the  Provisional  Government.  A dis- 
agreement arose  between  Congress  and  the  executive;  there  was  dissension  in  the  cabinet; 
and  the  resignations  followed  of  the  Ministers  of  Agriculture,  the  Interior,  Foreign  Affairs, 
and  Finance.  Just  at  this  time,  the  Minister  of  War,  Benjamin  Constant,  died.  In  his 
death,  Brazil  lost  one  of  her  greatest  men,  and  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  the  creation  of 
the  republic.  As  a scholar  and  an  educator,  he  was  widely  known  and  honored,  devoting 
his  attention  especially  to  the  science  of  mathematics,  upon  which  he  wrote  several  valuable 
treatises.  As  the  head  of  the  military  academy  at  Rio,  he  had  always  exerted  a powerful 
influence  in  political  affairs,  and  his  devotion  to  the  republican  cause  had  been  shown  in 
stirring  speeches  made  to  the  students,  urging  them  to  defend  the  sacred  principles  of 
liberty  at  whatever  cost,  and  to  resist  all  measures  aimed  against  their  rights  and  privileges. 
In  all  his  addresses  he  had  advocated  the  establishment  of  a republican  form  of  government, 
and  thought  the  time  propitious  for  striking  a decisive  blow  against  the  monarchy.  Opposing 
the  idea,  favored  by  so  many  of  the  republicans,  of  allowing  the  empire  to  remain  until  the 
death  of  the  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  II.,  he  claimed  that  no  man,  however  admirable  his  per- 
sonal character,  should  be  permitted  to  stand  in  the  way  of  national  progress,  or  to  delay, 
even  for  the  shortest  time,  the  establishment  of  right  government  in  accordance  with  the 
sovereign  will  of  the  people.  It  was  largely  through  his  influence  that  events  took 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


81 


the  course  they  did  on  the  memorable  Fifteenth  of  November,  1889;  for,  though  he  had 
secured  the  promise  of  Marshal  Deodoro  da  Fonseca  the  night  before,  to  call  out  the  troops, 
it  had  not  been  the  marshal’s  intention  to  head  a revolution  against  the  empire,  but  only  to 
demand  the  resignation  of  the  ministry  and  the  reform  of  certain  abuses;  it  was  too  late 
to  draw  back,  however,  when  the  cry  of  “Viva  a Republics!  ” was  raised,  and  there  was  no 
alternative  for  the  military  commander  but  to  accept  the  situation,  and  acknowledge  the 
honor  forced  upon  him  as  leader  of  the  revolutionary  movement  against  the  monarchy  and 
in  favor  of  the  republic.  All  this  had  been  foreseen  by  Benjamin  Constant,  who  realized  the 
necessity  of  having  a strong  military  power  at  the  head  of  the  revolution  and  afterward  as 
leader  of  the  new  government,  and  for  this  reason,  it  is  said,  declined  to  become  a candidate 
for  the  first  presidency,  though  the  people  would  perhaps  have  chosen  him,  had  his  name 


VIEW  OF  THE  NATIONAL  MINT,  OVERLOOKING  THE  PRAQA  DA  REPUBLICA,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


been  placed  in  nomination.  As  Secretary  of  War  under  the  Provisional  Government,  his 
services  were  of  great  value,  and  his  unflinching  opposition  to  all  measures  that  he  thought 
unjust  or  savoring  of  favoritism  won  him  the  approval  of  all  classes.  He  reorganized  the 
military  schools,  and  when  he  left  the  war  office  to  take  charge  of  the  new  Department  of 
Public  Instruction,  exercised  his  unbounded  activities  in  reforms  and  improvements  calcu- 
lated to  raise  this  department  of  the  government  to  the  highest  plane  of  usefulness.  At  his 
death,  Congress  voted  a pension  to  his  wife  and  daughters,  the  erection  of  a monument 
to  his  memory  in  the  Prapa  da  Republica,  and  a national  funeral.  He  has  been  called  the 
Father  of  the  Republic. 

One  of  the  chief  causes  of  the  disturbance  of  political  harmony  at  this  time  was  the 
existing  state  of  financial  affairs.  In  consequence  of  the  exodus  of  negroes  that  followed 
emancipation,  the  question  of  securing  labor  on  the  plantations  had  become  a serious  one; 


82 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


and  in  order  to  improve  these  conditions,  the  Provisional  Government  voted  large  sums  of 
money  for  immigration  purposes.  As  the  treasury  had  been  greatly  depleted  under  the 
empire  by  the  expenses  of  the  Paraguayan  war,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  raise  the  neces- 
sary funds  by  an  issue  of  paper  in  excess  of  the  proportion  of  gold  formerly  deposited  as  a 
basis,  and  this  action  resulted  in  a fall  in  exchange  which  alarmed  Congress  and  led  it  to 
pass  a bill  restricting  the  issue  of  paper  money.  A conflict  followed  between  the  President 
and  Congress,  and  the  President  vetoed  this  and  other  bills  passed  by  that  body;  in  retalia- 
tion for  which  a measure  was  introduced  to  deprive  the  President  of  the  vetoing  power. 
On  October  20,  1890,  Senators  Saraiva  and  Wandenkolk  resigned  their  seats.  They  were 
both  very  influential  men,  Senator  Saraiva  having  been  one  of  the  popular  presidential  possi- 
bilities when  Deodoro  was  elected,  and  Senator  Wandenkolk  was  formerly  an  admiral  of 
the  imperial  navy,  and  the  first  Minister  of  Marine  under  the  Provisional  Government. 
Their  resignations  were  intended  as  a protest  against  the  existing  order  of  things,  and  were 
designed  to  force  an  election  for  a new  Congress.  The  crisis  came  when  Congress  sought 
to  nullify  the  President’s  veto  by  passing  acts  over  his  disapproval.  The  president  of  the 
Chamber  of  Deputies,  Senhor  Matto  Machado,  ruled  that  the  vetoed  bills  could  not  be 
considered  during  the  same  session ; the  Chamber  overruled  his  decision,  and  he  resigned, 
Senhor  Bernardino  de  Campos  being  elected  in  his  place.  On  November  2d,  an  act  was 
passed  in  the  Senate,  over  the  President’s  veto,  providing  for  a method  of  impeaching 
the  President;  and  on  the  following  morning  the  Senators  and  Deputies  were  prevented 
by  a military  force,  with  threats  of  arrest,  from  entering  the  chambers.  The  same  day,  the 
following  decree  was  published : 

“The  President  of  the  Republic  of  the  United  States  of  Brazil,  in  view  of  what  at  this 
date  he  explains  in  a manifesto  to  the  country,  decrees  the  National  Congress  elected  Sep- 
tember 1 5",  1890,  hereby  dissolved.  The  nation  is  convoked  to  choose  new  representatives 
at  a date  that  will  hereafter  be  designated.  The  new  Congress  will  proceed  to  revise  the 
Constitution  of  the  24th  of  February  of  the  present  year  in  points  that  will  be  made  known 
in  the  decree  of  convocation.  Let  the  minister  of  State  of  the  affairs  of  the  interior  cause 
it  to  be  executed. 

“Manoel  Deodoro  da  Fonseca. 

“ Federal  Capital , November  3,  1891 .” 

This  was  immediately  followed  by  another  decree  declaring  Rio  de  Janeiro  in  a state 
of  siege,  suspending  constitutional  guarantees,  and  appointing  a commission  to  try  persons 
proved  to  be  enemies  of  the  republic  or  disturbers  of  public  order,  with  power  to  banish 
those  found  guilty.  These  edicts  practically  declared  a dictatorship,  as  the  President  had  no 
power  constitutionally  either  to  adjourn  Congress  or  declare  amendments  to  the  Constitu- 
tion, nor,  except  in  cases  of  revolt,  to  suspend  legal  procedure.  The  manifesto  issued  by 
the  President,  in  justification  of  his  course,  did  not  meet  with  approval,  and  discontent  broke 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


83 


out  in  open  revolution.  The  State  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  with  Silveira  Martins  at  its  head, 
openly  defied  the  authority  of  Deodoro,  and  declared  its  intention  to  secede  from  the 
republic,  and  similar  threats  came  from  Para 
and  Pernambuco.  The  President  ordered 
troops  to  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  to  prevent  the 
State  authorities  from  carrying  their  declaration 
of  independence  into  effect.  The  resistance 
was  so  powerful — an  army  of  fifty  thousand 
men  having  been  raised  with  General  Osorio 
at  their  head,  “prepared  to  march  on  Rio  and 
depose  the  dictator,”  as  General  Osorio’s 
manifesto  threatened — that  a dispatch  was 
sent  from  the  government  saying  that  fair 
terms  would  be  accepted  in  order  to  restore 
peace  and  tranquillity  in  the  State;  to  which 
the  revolutionary  Junta,  with  Dr.  Assis  Brasil 
at  its  head,  answered  that  the  forces  would 
not  disarm  until  Deodoro  should  resign  the 
presidency  and  Congress  be  reassembled  at 
Rio  de  Janeiro.  On  November  21st,  the  Presi- 
dent issued  a proclamation  appointing  Feb- 
ruary 29,  1892,  as  the  date  for  the  general 
election,  and  May  3d  for  the  assembling  of  the 
next  Congress.  He  recommended  that  the 
Constitution  should  be  amended  to  secure  the  independence  of  the  judiciary  and  the  execu- 
tive by  introducing  safeguards  to  uphold  the  President’s  veto,  by  enlarging  the  powers  of  the 
executive,  and  limiting  those  of  Congress,  and  by  reducing  the  number  of  Representatives. 

But  Deodoro’s  downfall  was  assured,  the  navy  and  three-fourths  of  the  army  declaring 
against  him;  and  when  Admiral  Wandenkolk  and  other  leaders  issued  a military  pronun- 
ciamento  against  him,  which  was  followed,  on  November  23d,  by  a demand  for  his  abdica- 
tion within  twenty-four  hours,  “the  dictator”  realized  the  hopelessness  of  his  position,  and 
tendered  his  resignation  through  his  Prime  Minister  and  friend,  Baron  Lucena,  issuing  a 
manifesto  announcing  his  retirement,  and  stating  that  his  motive  in  so  doing  was  to  avoid 
bloodshed.  As  soon  as  President  Deodoro  resigned,  the  insurgents  in  Rio  Grande  do  Sul 
laid  down  their  arms. 

The  first  President  of  the  republic  was  too  much  of  a soldier  to  be  a successful  poli- 
tician, but  Brazilians  will  readily  forgive  him  the  grave  political  blunder  that  endangered  for 
a while  the  peace  of  their  country,  and  will  remember  him  with  gratitude.  Manoel  Deodoro 
da  Fonseca  was  a native  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  where  he  was  born  in  1834.  Educated  at 
the  Polytechnic  School  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  he  received  an  excellent  military  training,  and 


MARSHAL  DEODORO  DA  FONSECA,  FIRST  PRESIDENT 
OF  BRAZIL. 


84 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


entered  the  army  after  graduating  with  honors.  During  the  war  with  Paraguay,  he  distin- 
guished himself  in  the  battle  of  Mossoro,  being  promoted  on  the  field  from  lieutenant  to 
major.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  was  decorated  by  the  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  11.  with  the 
order  of  the  Rose.  He  was  afterward  given  charge  of  the  government  cartridge-factory  and 
magazine  at  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  raised  to  the  rank  of  general.  An  enthusiastic  republican, 
he  organized,  at  the  close  of  the  Paraguayan  war,  the  “Military  Club,”  which  exerted  a 
powerful  influence  in  favor  of  republicanism  in  the  army.  He  was  the  military  chief  of  the 
revolution,  though  that  position  was  not  altogether  voluntary,  his  friendship  for  the  emperor 
and  appreciation  of  many  favors  received  from  that  high  source  making  him  reluctant  to 
strike  the  blow  that  would  fall  with  crushing  effect  upon  his  gracious  benefactor.  Once 
having  accepted  the  responsibility,  however,  he  was  strong  and  determined  in  carrying  out 
the  plan  arranged,  as  the  events  connected  with  it  prove.  A few  months  after  his  enforced 
resignation  as  President,  Marshal  Deodoro  da  Fonseca  died,  on  the  23d  of  August,  1892. 
In  personal  appearance,  the  first  President  was  short,  sinewy,  and  of  dark  complexion,  with 
a gray  moustache  and  beard.  His  eyes  are  described  as  having  been  remarkable  for  their 
brightness  and  keenness  of  expression,  and  his  manner  was  vehement  and  impressive. 

Immediately  after  the  resignation  of  President  Deodoro  da  Fonseca,  Marshal  Floriano 
Peixoto,  the  Vice-President,  was  installed  as  President,  with  the  following  cabinet:  Minister 
of  Foreign  Affairs,  Fernando  Lobo  Leite  Pereira;  Minister  of  Agriculture,  Antao  de  Faria; 
Minister  of  Justice,  Jose  Hygino  Duarte  Pereira;  Minister  of  Marine,  Admiral  Custodio  Jose 
de  Mello;  Minister  of  War,  General  Simoes  de  Oliveira  ; Minister  of  Finance,  Rodrigues  Alves. 

In  answer  to  a decree  issued  November  2j>,  1891,  the  Congress  which  had  been  dis- 
solved by  President  Deodoro  reassembled  on  December  18,  1891,  all  the  States  being 
represented.  The  bills  vetoed  by  the  former  President  were  passed  over  the  veto.  A new 
electoral  law  was  enacted,  one  of  the  provisions  of  which  stated  that  in  case  the  presidency 
or  the  vice-presidency  should  become  vacant  within  two  years  from  the  beginning  of  the 
term,  a new  election  should  be  held  within  three  months  after  the  vacancy  occurs.  A delay 
in  carrying  out  this  provision  soon  caused  discontent  among  the  people,  which  was  fostered 
and  increased  by  an  apparent  disposition  on  the  part  of  the  President  to  interfere  with  the 
rights  of  the  States  by  forcing  them  to  accept  governors  not  elected  by  them,  but  appointed 
under  Federal  authority.  A manifesto  was  issued  by  some  friends  of  the  former  President, 
condemning  the  methods  of  President  Floriano,  and  calling  upon  him  to  “put  an  end  to  the 
disruption  of  the  government  by  ordering  a speedy  election  of  a President,  in  accordance 
with  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  and  the  last  electoral  law,  free  from  all  military 
pressure.”  This  declaration  was  treated  as  a military  conspiracy,  and  the  signers  were 
banished.  The  State  of  Matto  Grosso,  resenting  the  attempt  of  the  Federal  authorities  to 
remove  its  governor  and  put  another  in  his  place,  rose  in  revolt,  and  in  April,  1892,  by  the 
action  of  the  State  legislature,  proclaimed  itself  an  independent  nation,  under  the  name  of 
the  “ Republica  Transatlantica,”  raising  its  standard  of  blue  and  green  with  a yellow  star 
in  the  centre.  After  a brief  struggle,  the  revolt  was  quelled,  and  the  insurgent  leaders  made 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


8* 


their  escape  to  Bolivia.  In  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  the  secession  movement  was  revived,  and 
bitter  strife  followed  between  the  secessionists,  or,  as  they  were  called,  “ Federalists,”  and  the 
State  government.  The  central  government 
intervened,  and  sent  forces  to  defend  the  es- 
tablished authorities.  This  action  was  strongly 
opposed  by  the  navy,  and  led  to  the  resigna- 
tion of  the  Ministers  of  Finance  and  Marine, 
although  Rear-Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello  had 
been  the  staunch  friend  and  ally  of  Floriano 
in  bringing  about  the  downfall  of  the  pre- 
vious administration.  They  were  succeeded 
by  Rear-Admiral  Chaves  as  Minister  of  Marine, 
and  Dr.  Freire  as  Minister  of  Finance.  The 
animosity  of  the  navy  was  increased  when  a 
decree  was  issued  declaring  a trial  by  court- 
martial  in  the  case  of  Admiral  Wandenkolk, 
who  had  been  sent  by  the  central  govern- 
ment to  Rio  Grande  to  report  on  the  existing 
conditions,  and  had  openly  espoused  the  cause 
of  the  Federalists,  joining  General  Silveira  Mar- 
tins in  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  take  the 
city  of  Rio  Grande,  which  had  resulted  in  his 
capture.  The  navy  also  resented  the  growing 
power  of  the  army,  which  threatened  to  eclipse  its  own.  The  “ Historic  Republicans,”  an 
organization  led  by  Ruy  Barbosa  and  other  members  of  the  old  Provisional  Government, 
strongly  opposed  the  President’s  policy  of  interference  with  the  internal  affairs  of  the  States, 
and  joined  the  navy  in  a protest  against  court-martial  trial  for  ex-Admiral  Wandenkolk.  The 
Senate,  taking  action  in  the  matter,  decided,  by  a small  majority  vote,  that  the  trial  should 
take  place  in  the  regular  courts.  This  did  not,  however,  alter  the  hostile  attitude  of  the 
navy,  and  a revolution  was  the  outcome. 

Although  the  navy’s  course  was  declared  to  be  based  purely  upon  motives  of  patriotism, 
there  were  many  who  believed  that  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello’s  real  purpose  in  fostering  a 
revolution  was  to  succeed  to  the  presidency  himself.  Other  rumors  accused  him  of  plotting 
for  the  restoration  of  the  monarchy.  Whatever  was  his  design,  he  had  the  navy  with  him 
in  his  efforts,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  5th  of  September,  1893,  while  the  officers  of  the 
fleet  anchored  in  the  harbor  of  Rio  were  at  the  opera,  the  admiral,  with  several  of  his 
friends,  .went  on  board  the  Aquidaban  and  raised  his  flag,  afterward  going  to  the  other 
vessels  and  completing  arrangements  by  which  every  government  ship  in  the  harbor 
was  under  his  orders.  The  following  morning,  he  sent  a message  to  General  Peixoto 
demanding  his  resignation  and  the  surrender  of  the  government  offices  within  six  hours. 


MARSHAL  FLORIANO  PEIXOTO,  SECOND  PRESIDENT 
OF  BRAZIL, 


86 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


General  Peixoto  defied  the  naval  squadron,  and  immediately  took  measures  to  frustrate  the 
revolution,  Congress  voting  him  legal  authority  and  supplies.  By  authority  of  Congress, 
Rio  and  Nictheroy  were  declared  in  a state  of  siege,  and  the  President  was  empowered  to 
extend  this  declaration  to  any  part  of  the  country.  The  press  was  placed  under  rigorous 
censorship,  and  telegraphic  communication  was  cut  off  between  Rio  and  the  rest  of  the 
world.  To  prevent  a landing,  about  six  thousand  troops  of  the  army  were  distributed 
in  the  fortifications  and  strategic  points  of  the  bay,  and  a considerable  force  of  infantry 
and  artillery  was  sent  to  Nictheroy,  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Rio,  on  the  opposite  bank  of 
the  bay,  in  order  to  keep  open  communication  with  the  fortress  of  Santa  Cruz,  which 
guarded  the  entrance  to  the  harbor.  Admiral  Mello’s  forces,  including  officers,  marines,  and 
sailors,  were  not  sufficient  to  attempt  a landing  on  the  well-guarded  shores  of  the  bay. 
Neither  could  the  ships  venture  out  to  sea  past  tire  forts  and  torpedoes  at  the  harbor’s 
entrance.  The  admiral  had  threatened  to  bombard  the  city  if  the  forts  fired  on  the 
ships;  and  as  this  was  done,  he  opened  fire  on  September  13th,  first  on  the  forts  near 
Nictheroy,  and  afterward  on  the  arsenal  and  public  buildings  facing  the  water-front  in 
Rio.  The  port  was  blockaded  to  all  Brazilian  vessels,  foreign  vessels  being  allowed 
to  enter  and  depart  under  protection  of  their  country’s  warships.  On  September  22b,  a 
second  bombardment  took  place,  causing  a panic  among  the  citizens.  Admiral  Custodio  de 
Mello  issued  a proclamation  charging  President  Peixoto,  “aided  by  corrupt  Senators  and 
venal  Deputies,”  with  overriding  the  constitutional  limits  of  his  power  and  “introducing  a 
regime  of  arbitrary  tyranny”;  and  promising  that,  if  successful  in  his  stand  for  liberty,  the 
government  would  be  handed  over  to  the  same  honorable  men  who  had  given  freedom  to 
the  nation  before.  Four  members  of  Congress  who  were  on  board  the  Aquidaban  consti- 
tuted themselves  a provisional  government  and  issued  a proclamation  giving  the  command 
of  the  forces  to  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello  for  the  purpose  of  restoring  peace  and  reestab- 
lishing law  and  order  and  republican  principles. 

The  President  held  his  ground  with  determination.  He  obtained  loans  of  four  million 
dollars  to  meet  the  expenses  of  the  government,  and  arranged  to  fit  out  a squadron  to 
fight  the  rebels  on  the  sea.  On  October  10th,  the  bombardment  of  Rio  was  resumed 
because  the  shore  batteries  had  not  ceased  firing  on  the  fleet,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
admiral  issued  a new  proclamation  declaring  that  in  the  event  of  his  success  he  would 
adhere  to  republican  institutions  (this  in  answer  to  the  charge  that  he  aimed  at  an  imperial 
restoration),  that  none  of  the  leaders  of  the  rebellion  aspired  to  power  for  their  own  benefit, 
but  for  the  restoration  of  peace  to  the  oppressed  country,  and  for  the  liberation  of  a people 
who  had  been  sacrificed  by  the  want  of  patriotism  and  the  reckless  ambition  of  the  head 
of  the  government. 

Meantime,  President  Floriano  had  provided  himself  with  a fleet.  He  purchased  some 
merchant  vessels  in  the  United  States  and  converted  them  into  warships,  and  secured 
the  torpedo  gun-boat  Destroyer  (which,  however,  never  saw  active  service),  besides  nine 
torpedo-boats  bought  in  Europe.  The  Nictheroy  was  armed  with  a pneumatic  gun  for 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


87 


dynamite  bombs,  invented  by  a United  States  army  captain.  The  America  was  provided 
with  an  armament  of  heavy  guns,  and  four  torpedo-boats  were  fitted  out  and  equipped  with 
Hotchkiss  guns.  The  Tiradentes  was  put  in  working  order,  and  manned  by  a crew  under 
the  command  of  Rear-Admiral  Gongalvez.  Two  Brazilian  merchant  ships  were  transformed 
into  gun-boats.  Rear-Admiral  Duarte  was  given  command  of  a naval  division  at  Bahia. 

In  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  the  Federalists  gained  ground  for  a time,  and  one  town  after 
another  fell  into  their  hands;  and  at  Desterro,  in  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina,  they  effected 
a landing  and  placed  troops  in  the  field,  which,  however,  were  defeated,  as  well  as  a 
body  of  Federalists  that  came  to  join  them  from  Rio  Grande  do  Sul.  General  Saraiva  and 
General  Salgado  were  the  leaders  of  the  Federalists  in  the  South. 


PRAQA  DA  REPUBLICA,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


In  November,  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello  succeeded  in  running  out  of  Rio  harbor  with 
the  Aquiddban  and  the  armed  transport  Esperanga,  under  the  fire  of  the  forts,  and  Commo- 
dore Elisar  Tavares,  left  in  charge  of  the  remaining  naval  force,  was  placed  under  the  com- 
mand of  Admiral  Saldanha  da  Gama.  The  departure  of  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello  from  Rio 
harbor  with  the  best  ships  of  the  insurgent  navy  at  the  very  time  when  the  government’s 
fleet  was  known  to  be  concentrating  there,  was  supposed  by  many  to  signify  that  his  aims 
and  purposes  were  not  in  harmony  with  those  of  Saldanha  da  Gama,  who  was  known 
to  be  working  for  the  restoration  of  the  monarchy.  Admiral  Saldanha’s  support  came 
chiefly  from  the  churchmen  and  the  imperialists,  with  whom  the  Federalists  of  the  South 
had  nothing  in  common  except  hostility  to  the  government  of  President  Floriano  Peixoto. 


88 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


It  was  assumed  that  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello’s  first  desire  was  to  save  the  cause  in 
the  South  without  regard  to  the  situation  at  Rio.  He  hoped  to  succeed  in  establishing 
a provisional  government  in  Santa  Catharina,  with  the  aid  of  the  Federalist  leaders  of 
Rio  Grande  do  Sul;  international  law  requiring  that  a revolutionary  government  must 
administer  some  considerable  portion  of  the  territory  before  it  can  be  recognized  as  a 
belligerent  power,  whereas  the  insurgents  controlled,  so  far,  only  the  little  island  of  Santa 
Catharina. 

In  the  harbor  of  Rio  the  firing  between  the  forts  and  the  rebel  ships  became  more 
frequent  toward  the  end  of  the  year  1893,  the  guns  on  both  sides  being  better  managed 
than  in  the  earlier  engagements.  The  city  suffered  a great  deal  in  consequence,  and  busi- 
ness was  practically  suspended  for  a time,  people  moving  away  to  be  out  of  range  of  the 
guns.  Meantime,  the  necessity  of  placing  a strong  force  in  the  southern  country  to  combat 
the  insurgents  had  resulted  in  weakening  the  central  government’s  defence  of  the  Federal 
capital  and  the  shores  of  the  bay.  Saldanha  da  Gama  was  reinforced,  January  12,  1894,  by 
the  return  of  the  Aquidaban,  which  enabled  him  to  maintain  his  position  in  the  bay,  which 
had  been  seriously  threatened,  as  the  government  troops  had  succeeded  in  compelling  him 
to  retire  from  his  best  strongholds.  He  now  advanced  so  boldly  that  he  was  able  to  put  a 
stop  to  all  commerce,  until  checked  by  the  American  admiral  A.  K.  Benham,  at  that  time 
commanding  the  South  Atlantic  Squadron  in  the  harbor  of  Rio.  The  action  of  Admiral 
Benham  in  raising  the  blockade  against  American  merchant  ships  in  the  harbor  had  a 
deterring  effect  upon  the  operations  of  the  rebels.  Admiral  Benham  objected  to  the  order 
prohibiting  foreign  vessels  from  entering  within  the  line  of  danger  when  no  firing  was  in 
progress,  claiming  that  it  was  an  unjustifiable  interruption  of  commerce,  and  promised  the 
captain  of  an  American  merchant  ship  that  if  he  would  unload  his  cargo  in  lighters  flying 
the  American  flag  he  would  be  protected.  At  first,  the  rebels  forbade  the  landing;  but 
Admiral  Benham  stood  firm  in  the  attitude  he  had  taken,  and  they  abandoned  all  efforts  at 
resistance.  On  January  23d,  Admiral  Benham  invited  the  insurgent  commander  to  an 
informal  conference  on  board  the  New  York,  and  having  already  ascertained  the  views  of 
President  Peixoto,  counselled  Admiral  da  Gama  to  give  up  the  struggle.  Admiral  da  Gama 
demanded  the  unconditional  surrender  of  Floriano  Peixoto  and  a free  vote  throughout  the 
country  as  to  the  form  of  government  and  representation  in  Congress.  President  Floriano, 
on  his  side,  demanded  that  neither  a military  nor  a naval  man  should  be  eligible  for  the  next 
President,  but  that  he  must  be  a civilian. 

In  the  South,  the  revolutionary  struggle  continued  in  all  its  bitterness.  In  Parana, 
General  Saraiva  formed  a junction  with  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello,  and,  with  the  coopera- 
tion of  the  sailors,  they  captured  the  port  of  Paranagua,  took  possession  of  the  provincial 
capital  of  Curityba,  and  advanced  to  southern  Sao  Paulo.  The  outlook  was  not  promising 
just  at  this  time  for  the  government,  the  President  having  angered  some  of  his  best  friends 
by  the  severity  of  his  military  discipline.  The  acting  Minister  of  War,  General  Galvao, 
resigned  because  of  his  disapproval  of  the  treatment  of  political  prisoners.  The  confidence 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


89 


of  many  faithful  supporters  was  shaken  by  a suspicion  of  the  clandestine  issue  of  paper 
money  by  the  government.  The  commander  of  the  fort  of  Santa  Cruz,  General  Macedo, 
was  arrested  on  a charge  of  disloyalty  because  of  the  repeated  successful  attempts  of  the 
Aquidaban  in  putting  in  and  out  of  the  harbor.  In  view  of  these  circumstances,  added  to 
the  fact  that  most  of  the  regular  army  had  been  sent  to  defend  Sao  Paulo  against  the  attack 
of  Saraiva  and  Custodio  de  Mello,  Saldanha  da  Gama  determined  to  make  a bold  strike  for 
possession  of  the  land  defences.  A battle  took  place  on  the  9th  of  February,  resulting  in  770 
killed  and  wounded  of  Peixoto’s  men  and  272  of  Saldanha  da  Gama’s,  the  admiral  himself 


MILITARY  SCHOOL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


being  wounded  in  the  neck  and  arm.  Not  long  after  this,  the  insurgents  lost  the  warships 
Venus  and  Jupiter ‘And  the  transport  Mercurio,  which  were  sunk  by  shells  from  the  government 
forts.  After  Admiral  Saldanha’s  reverse,  the  commanders  in  the  South  determined  to  strike  at 
Santos.  A portion  of  the  National  Guard  joined  the  rebel  standard  under  General  Saraiva, 
whose  idea  it  was  to  invade  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  with  the  ultimate  object  of  entering  Rio 
de  Janeiro,  while  General  Salgado  kept  in  check  the  government  garrison  at  Porto  Alegre, 
in  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  preventing  it  from  moving  northward.  Sao  Paulo  was  still  strongly 
held  by  government  troops  and  forces,  which  the  State  had  put  at  the  disposal  of  the 
central  government,  and  Santos  was  strengthened  against  the  expected  rebel  attack. 


9o 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


This  was  the  situation  of  affairs  when  the  election,  on  March  i,  1894,  was  held  for  a 
President  to  succeed  President  Peixoto  on  the  following  November  1 jth.  The  rebels  claimed 
that  the  election  should  have  taken  place  in  October,  1893;  but  the  naval  revolt  and  the 
declaration  of  martial  law  made  an  election  at  that  time  impracticable.  Senators  from  most 
of  the  States  had  met  in  December,  1893,  and  nominated  Dr.  Prudente  Moraes  President. 
The  state  of  siege  was  suspended,  nominally  in  order  that  the  election  might  take  place 
under  constitutional  forms.  The  voting  resulted  in  the  election  of  Prudente  Moraes  for 
President  and  Manoel  Victorino  Pereira  for  Vice-President.  In  Rio  Grande,  Parana,  and 
Santa  Catharina,  where  the  insurgents  were  in  the  ascendency,  no  election  was  held.  After 
the  election,  the  state  of  siege  was  prolonged  until  May.  By  a decree  of  February  23d,  all 
crimes  connected  with  the  rebellion  were  made  punishable  by  martial  law,  even  if  committed 
by  civilians.  Another  decree,  issued  March  2d,  authorized  the  Minister  of  War  to  raise  regular 
troops  by  forcible  conscription.  Equipped  with  strong  reinforcements,  President  Peixoto  on 
March  1 ith  gave  forty-eight  hours’  notice  of  a general  engagement,  and  the  people  of  Rio  and 
the  ships  in  the  harbor  were  warned  to  get  out  of  range.  The  next  day,  Admiral  Saldanha 
offered,  through  the  Portuguese  Minister,  to  surrender  on  condition  that  immunity  should 
be  granted  to  all  connected  with  the  rebellion,  that  officers  who  were  imprisoned  should  be 
pardoned,  and  all  superior  officers  should  be  allowed  to  resign  their  commissions  on  prom- 
ising never  again  to  take  up  arms  against  the  government  of  Brazil.  He  then  took  refuge 
on  a Portuguese  man-of-war,  and  sent  another  message,  demanding  that  the  lives  of  private 
insurgents  should  be  spared.  President  Peixoto  replied  that  no  terms  would  be  considered 
but  unconditional  surrender.  The  rebels  escaped  on  the  Portuguese  men-of-war,  and 
when  President  Peixoto  demanded  their  surrender,  the  commander  refused  to  give  them  up 
without  orders  from  his  government.  Most  of  the  refugees  finally  made  their  escape. 

Meantime,  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello,  who  had  been  directing  all  his  energies  to  the 
cause  of  the  Federalists  in  the  South,  had  returned  again  to  Santa  Catharina,  where  he  was 
joined  by  Salgado,  and,  reorganizing  and  assuming  the  presidency  of  the  Provisional  Gov- 
ernment there,  had  proceeded  to  appoint,  in  the  place  of  the  cabinet,  a commission  of  three 
men  representing  the  three  revolted  States.  This  had  led  to  a quarrel  in  the  rebel  ranks,  and 
the  “Junta”  at  Desterro,  under  the  leadership  of  Custodio  de  Mello,  Saraiva,  and  Salgado, 
had  been  repudiated  by  the  Federalists  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul.  Early  in  April,  Admiral 
Custodio  de  Mello  and  General  Salgado  attacked  the  city  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  by  sea  and 
land,  but  there  was  lack  of  harmony  in  their  operations,  and  they  were  defeated.  Mean- 
time, a fleet  sent  by  the  central  government  bombarded  the  forts  at  Desterro,  and,  after  a 
brief  naval  engagement  with  the  insurgents,  succeeded  in  destroying  the  Aquidaban,  which 
had  been  the  mainstay  of  the  revolt  and  the  principal  target  of  the  government’s  guns 
throughout  the  rebellion.  After  the  loss  of  the  Aquidaban,  the  forts  and  vessels  at  Desterro 
were  abandoned  by  the  insurgents,  the  rebel  junta  fled  to  the  South,  and  General  Saraiva’s 
forces  retreated  to  the  frontier.  Admiral  Custodio  de  Mello,  after  leaving  General  Salgado 
with  400  men  on  the  Uruguayan  territory,  departed  for  Argentina,  where  he  surrendered 


THE  FIRST  DAYS  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 


91 


with  his  command  of  1200  men,  his  five  vessels,  and  his  arms,  on  condition  that  they 
should  not  be  delivered  up  to  the  Brazilian  government.  President  Peixoto  proclaimed 
pardon  for  all  privates 
concerned  in  the  rebel- 
lion, and  on  April  20, 

1894,  sent  a communi- 
cation to  the  members 
of  the  diplomatic  body 
informing  them  that  the 
revolt  was  at  an  end. 

The  guerrilla  war 
in  Rio  Grande  do  Sul 
had  been  in  progress 
for  more  than  a year 
before  the  naval  revolt 
began,  the  central  gov- 
ernment becoming  in- 
volved in  the  contest  by 
extending  its  protection 

by  force  of  arms  to  the  ruling  governor,  General  Julio  Castilho.  The  struggle  still  continued 
after  the  surrender  of  Admiral  Saldanha  and  the  departure  of  Admiral  Mello,  General  Saraiva 
assuming  the  leadership  of  the  guerrillas  after  his  retreat  from  Parana.  In  June,  his  forces 
were  defeated  by  General  Lima,  and  by  the  end  of  July  the  insurgents  were  exhausted, 
and  General  Saraiva  was  reported  to  be  dead.  This  was  not  the  end  of  the  war,  however, 
for,  in  the  beginning  of  1 89^,  Admiral  Saldanha  da  Gama  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
rebels.  In  June,  he  met  the  government  troops  near  Santa  Anna,  was  defeated,  and, 
after  three  hundred  men  were  killed  or  wounded  on  both  sides  and  most  of  his  followers 
had  abandoned  the  field,  he  ordered  those  who  stood  by  him  to  retreat,  and  met  his 
own  death  on  the  battlefield.  On  July  2d,  General  Galvao,  commanding  the  government 
troops,  arranged  an  armistice  with  General  Tavares,  the  Federalist  commander,  and  terms 
of  peace  were  finally  agreed  upon,  to  which  General  Castilho,  who  had  up  to  this  time 
stood  out  for  unconditional  surrender,  gave  his  assent.  The  terms  were  a free  pardon 
to  all  who  laid  down  their  arms,  with  a guarantee  of  all  civil  rights  to  every  person 
implicated  in  the  revolution,  including  the  right  to  appeal  to  the  courts  for  the  redress  of 
injuries  committed  by  the  troops.  General  Castilho  was  to  remain  as  provisional  governor 
until  the  meeting  of  the  State  Congress,  which  was  to  alter  the  Constitution  so  as  to  make 
it  conformable  to  the  Constitutions  of  the  other  States.  The  amnesty  bill  was  passed  in 
September,  after  a sharp  debate  in  both  houses,  with  modifications  debarring  rebel  officers 
from  the  army  and  navy  for  two  years,  and  extending  the  amnesty  to  other  political 
offenders  and  exiles. 


92 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


After  the  war  was  over,  President  Peixoto  established  the  strictest  military  discipline, 
frequent  changes  were  made  in  the  cabinet,  and  all  branches  of  the  army  were  strengthened, 
the  military  force  being  increased  from  14,000  to  24,000  men.  Although  bitter  attacks  had 
been  made  against  the  President  in  Congress,  a resolution  was  finally  passed  approving  his 
acts.  It  was  recognized  that  he  had  successfully  brought  the  country  out  of  a period  of 
agitation  and  revolt  that  threatened  its  very  existence,  and  that  he  deserved  the  thanks  of 
the  people.  At  the  same  time,  it  was  the  general  sentiment  that  in  future  the  nation’s 
President  should  not  be  a military  commander,  but  a civilian.  A few  months  after  giving 
the  reins  of  government  into  other  hands,  Marshal  Floriano  Peixoto  succumbed  to  an 
illness  which  proved  fatal,  his  death  occurring  on  the  29th  of  June,  1891P 

In  many  respects,  the  “Iron  Marshal,”  as  he  was  popularly  called,  was  a remarkable 
man.  His  firmness  was  unquestioned,  his  indomitable  energy  knew  no  bounds,  and 
although  he  was  regarded  as  a disciplinarian  of  over-strict  methods,  even  this  characteristic 
had  its  advantages  when  mild  measures  were  perhaps  not  adequate  to  the  exigencies  of 
the  times.  The  history  of  this  unflinching  leader  shows  him  to  have  been  thoroughly 
educated  in  military  matters.  He  was  a graduate  of  the  Military  Academy,  an  artillery 
officer,  and  distinguished  himself  in  the  Paraguayan  war,  receiving  promotion  to  the  rank  of 
lieutenant-colonel  for  gallantry  on  the  field,  and  upon  his  return  at  the  close  of  the  war,  was 
advanced  to  the  grade  of  colonel.  In  1883,  he  was  promoted  to  the  general  staff  of  the  army. 
Under  the  empire,  he  had  held  the  political  office  of  president  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  and  in 
the  cabinet  of  the  Provisional  Government  had  been  Secretary  of  War,  succeeding  Benjamin 
Constant,  who  was  transferred  to  the  Department  of  Public  Instruction.  He  resigned  his 
position  with  other  members  of  the  cabinet  who  disagreed  with  President  Deodoro. 


THE  NATIONAL  TREASURY,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


CHAPTER  V 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 

A LL  honor  is  due  to  the  brave  patriots 
who  guided  the  fortunes  of  the  new 
republic  safely  through  the  first  threatening 
storms.  Their  genius  shone  brilliantly  in 
the  midst  of  the  unsettled  conditions  which 
marked  the  beginning  of  the  new  regime,  and 
illumined  the  pathway  for  their  successors, 
who  were  called  upon  to  meet  the  require- 
ments of  a regularly  constituted  civil  gov- 
ernment, such  as  the  nation  soon  demanded. 

The  institution  of  thoroughly  republican 
ideals  in  Brazil  may  be  said  to  have  been 
realized  by  the  election  of  Dr.  Prudente  Jose 
de  Moraes  Barros,  the  first  president  chosen 
from  civilian  ranks,  and  who  was  acceptable 
to  all  classes  of  people.  Elected  practi- 
cally without  opposition,  he  was  inaugurated 
President,  November  icp  1894.  His  minis- 
ters were  men  of  the  highest  probity  and  of 
recognized  patriotism : Dr.  Carlos  Carvalho 
held  the  portfolio  of  Foreign  Affairs;  Dr. 
Rodrigues  Alves  that  of  Finance;  Dr.  Olyntho 
de  Magalhaes,  Industry  and  Public  Works; 
Dr.  Gongalves  Ferreira,  Interior;  General 
Benjamin  Vasques,  War;  and  Admiral  Elisario  Barbosa,  Marine.  The  policy  of  President 
Moraes’s  administration  was  one  of  rigid  economy,  looking  especially  to  the  diminution  of 
the  public  debt,  the  restoration  of  a sound  currency,  reform  in  taxation,  and  a reduction  of  the 

SB 


DR.  PRUDENTE  JOSE  DE  MORAES  BARROS,  FIRST  CIVIL 
PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL,  1894-1898. 


96 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


expenses  of  the  army  and  navy,  the  last  being  deemed  especially  called  for,  since  military 
rule  no  longer  existed.  The  cutting  down  of  expenditures  for  military  purposes  was  opposed 
by  the  army,  and  early  the  following  year  a movement,  having  its  origin  chiefly  in  the  military 
school,  was  inaugurated  for  the  restoration  of  Floriano  Peixoto.  President  Moraes  closed 
the  school  and  expelled  the  students  for  attempting  to  arouse  popular  feeling  against  the 
existing  government.  The  sudden  death  of  Marshal  Floriano,  on  June  29,  1897,  put  an  end 
to  such  disturbances. 

During  the  first  year  of  President  Moraes’s  administration,  a dispute  of  long  standing 
between  Brazil  and  Argentina  regarding  the  boundary  line  of  the  Missiones  territory  was 
settled,  February  6,  1895",  by  arbitration  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Grover 
Cleveland,  who  decided  in  favor  of  Brazil,  and  established  the  boundary  line  on  the  rivers 
Pepiri-Guazu  and  San  Antonio.  In  this  controversy,  Brazil  was  represented  by  the  present 
Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  Baron  de  Rio- Branco,  and  Argentina  by  the  present  Minister  of 
Foreign  Affairs  of  that  republic,  Dr.  Estanislao  Zeballos. 

The  transition  from  military  to  civil  rule  was  marked  by  a careful  and  consistent  effort 
to  overcome  the  evils  existing  in  consequence  of  the  former,  and  to  establish  the  latter  on  a 
firm  foundation.  No  man  in  Brazil  was  better  fitted  to  accomplish  these  purposes  than 
President  Prudente  Moraes,  who  thoroughly  realized  the  importance  of  the  situation.  There 
was  at  this  time  a widespread  feeling  of  anxiety  and  uncertainty  regarding  the  political 
future  of  the  country,  which  was  suffering  from  great  commercial  depression,  consequent 
upon  the  fall  in  value  of  coffee,  as  well  as  from  a continuous  depreciation  of  the  currency, 
and  from  financial  embarrassment  caused  by  the  necessities  of  the  previous  presidency. 
In  view  of  these  difficulties,  President  Moraes,  and  the  Vice-President,  Dr.  Manoel  Victorino 
Pereira,  who  filled  the  chief  executive  office  for  several  months  during  a serious  illness  of 
the  President,  devoted  especial  attention  to  financial  matters,  with  the  result  that  confidence 
in  the  new  government  was  established  and  progress  was  assured. 

During  the  year  1897,  the  Federal  government  was  called  upon  to  assist  the  authorities 
of  the  State  of  Bahia  in  putting  down  an  insurrection  that  had  broken  out  in  one  of  the 
interior  districts  at  a place  called  Canudos,  the  stronghold  of  a large  band  of  religious  fanatics, 
led  by  one  Antonio  Maciel,  whom  they  called  “Conselheiro,”  and  worshipped  as  the  Messiah. 
There  is  a mystery  about  the  origin  and  purpose  of  this  war.  Some  believe  that  it  was  an 
uprising  for  the  restoration  of  the  monarchy,  with  powerful  support  behind  it,  particularly  as 
the  rebels  fought  under  the  imperial  flag  and  declared  their  mission  to  be  a holy  war  against 
the  existing  government  of  Brazil,  which  they  denounced  as  “atheistic,  and  undeserving  of 
obedience,  and  doomed  to  be  overthrown;”  they  also  received,  it  is  said,  large  quantities  of 
arms  and  ammunition  from  unknown  sources,  and  assistance  in  every  way  that  could  further 
their  plans.  On  the  other  hand,  many  people  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  nothing  more 
than  an  outburst  of  fanatic  enthusiasm,  simply  a “holy  war,”  as  its  leaders  called  it. 

The  immediate  causes  of  the  rebellion  are  variously  stated.  One  authority  says  that 
the  Conselheiro  accused  a merchant  of  embezzling  some  money  left  with  him  to  pay  for 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


97 


material  for  a church  building  in  Canudos,  and  that  when  a demand  was  made  for  either 
the  money  or  the  material,  the  merchant  complained  to  the  State,  declaring  that  the  fanatics 
were  threatening  him.  Police  officers  were  sent  to  protect  the  merchant,  and  in  an  attack 
on  the  Conselheiro  they  were  defeated  and  some 
of  them  killed.  Reinforcements  sent  to  their  aid 
were  driven  back  with  great  loss,  and  the  State 
was  obliged  to  call  for  the  assistance  of  the 
Federal  troops.  Meantime,  the  Conselheiro’s 
supporters  increased  so  rapidly  that  when  the 
Federal  army  reached  his  stronghold  it  found 
an  opposing  force  of  about  eight  thousand  well- 
trained  men  prepared  to  meet  it  in  battle.  On 
March  3,  1897,  an  engagement  took  place,  result- 
ing in  a victory  for  the  rebels,  their  superior 
numbers  Overcoming  the  small  battalion  of  Fed- 
eral troops  commanded  by  General  Moreira  Cesar 
and  Major  Francisco  M.  Beitto,  who  lost  six  hun- 
dred men  and  all  their  guns  and  ammunition. 

Sympathizers  in  other  States  followed  the  ex- 
ample of  the  Conselheiro,  and  insurrections  ap- 
peared in  Pernambuco,  Minas  Geraes,  Sergipe, 
and  Piauhy.  The  government  found  it  necessary 
to  increase  the  strength  of  its  army,  and  after 
a bitter  engagement,  in  which  General  Moreira 
Cesar  was  killed,  a fresh  force  of  seven  thousand  men  was  sent  from  Rio  to  Pernambuco,  a 
large  force  of  artillery  being  dispatched  to  Bahia  at  the  same  time,  in  charge  of  General 
Cantuzia.  General  Arthur  Oscar  took  command  of  the  troops  on  their  arrival  at  Bahia,  and 
attempted  to  march  against  the  rebels’  stronghold,  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  distant  from 
the  capital.  It  was  two  months  before  the  army  reached  Canudos,  progress  having  been 
delayed  all  along  the  line  by  hostile  bands.  In  June,  the  Federal  troops  won  a victory  in 
which  eight  thousand  of  the  rebels  were  defeated  and  about  three  hundred  killed.  Finally, 
after  repeated  engagements,  resulting  in  alternate  victory  and  defeat,  the  Conselheiro’s 
position  was  captured  in  October,  Admiral  Barbosa  directing  the  final  operation,  during 
which  the  Conselheiro  was  slain,  with  thousands  of  his  followers. 

While  the  victorious  troops,  returning  from  the  Canudos  war  were  being  reviewed  by  the 
President,  an  attempt  was  made  to  carry  out  a plot  for  his  assassination,  the  dastardly  deed 
being  frustrated  only  by  the  brave  action  of  General  Bittencourt,  who  threw  himself  in 
front  of  the  President  and  received  in  his  own  breast  the  fatal  wound.  It  was  a noble 
sacrifice,  and  the  nation  holds  in  perpetual  reverence  the  memory  of  this  glorious  hero. 
The  assassin  killed  himself,  and  his  accomplices  were  imprisoned. 


DR.  MANOEL  FERRAZ  DE  CAMPOS-SALLES, 
PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL,  1898-1902. 


98 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


At  the  presidential  election  held  March  i,  1898,  Dr.  Manoel  Ferraz  de  Campos-Salles 
was  chosen  President,  with  Dr.  Francisco  Rosa  e Silva  as  Vice-President.  Dr.  Olyntho  de 
Magalhaes  was  appointed  Foreign  Minister;  Dr.  Joaquim  Murtinho,  Minister  of  Finance; 
Dr.  Alfredo  Maia,  of  Industry  and  Public  Works;  Dr.  Epitacio  da  Silva  Pessoa,  Justice  and 
Interior;  General  Mallet,  War;  and  Admiral  Pinto  da  Luz,  Marine.  The  government  of 
Dr.  Prudente  Moraes  had  been  marked  by  a strict  adherence  to  the  Constitution  and  an 
honest  and  faithful  discharge- of  his  duties  as  chief  executive.  He  retired  from  office  with  the 
plaudits  of  the  nation  ringing  in  his  ears.  In  straightforwardness  and  unaffected  simplicity 
he  has  been  compared  to  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  in  staunch  loyalty  and  patriotism  his  char- 
acter offers  an  example  eminently  worthy  of  the  emulation  of  the  Brazilian  youth.  A native 
of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  Prudente  Jose  de  Moraes  Barros  was  born  at  Itu,  one  of  the 
oldest  towns  of  the  State,  on  the  4th  of  October,  1841.  He  was  educated  at  the  city  of  Sao 
Paulo,  and  graduated  with  high  honors  in  the  law  department  of  the  University.  From  the 
earliest  days  of  his  career,  he  was  a fearless  advocate  of  republican  principles,  and  as  deputy 
to  the  Provincial  Assembly  of  Sao  Paulo  spoke  with  frankness  and  fearlessness  against  the 
vexatious  measures  of  the  imperial  government.  When  the  republicans  of  Rio  published 
their  manifesto  in  1870,  he  was  among  the  first  to  give  his  support  to  the  movement  and  he 
rendered  important  services  in  spreading  the  new  political  creed  in  his  native  State.  After 
the  proclamation  of  the  republic,  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  provisional  government 
of  Sao  Paulo,  and  he  was  the  first  governor  of  the  State  under  the  new  regime.  In  October, 
1890,  he  was  elected  to  the  Senate,  and  when  the  first  Congress  met  he  was  called  to  preside 
over  its  deliberations,  and  had  an  important  share  in  framing  the  new  Constitution.  The 
death,  on  December  3,  1902,  of  this  great  and  dearly  beloved  statesman  was  an  occasion  of 
general  mourning  in  every  part  of  the  republic,  all  classes  feeling  the  loss  of  one  who, 
throughout  a noble  career,  had  represented  the  highest  ideals  of  democracy  in  all  their  purity 
and  simplicity. 

The  inauguration  of  President  Campos-Salles,  the  second  civil  President,  was  celebrated 
on  the  17th  of  November,  1898.  The  main  features  of  his  administration  were  the  im- 
provement of  the  finances  of  the  country  and  the  extension  of  commercial  relations.  A 
statesman  of  sound  principles  and  practical  judgment  he  met  the  problems  of  his  adminis- 
tration with  remarkable  ability,  and  under  his  government  the  country  made  notable  progress. 

It  must  be  understood  that  the  financial  difficulties  from  which  Brazil  suffered  at  this 
time  did  not  date  from  the  inauguration  of  the  republic.  As  a matter  of  fact  the  revenue 
and  expenditure  of  the  empire  had  not  balanced  in  one  single  instance  for  thirty  years 
previous  to  its  fall,  and  the  yearly  deficit  had  been  met  by  continual  borrowing.  The  Para- 
guayan war  was  to  blame  for  the  permanent  derangement  of  the  country’s  finances,  which 
remained  in  a more  or  less  hopeless  condition  during  the  first  years  of  the  republic.  Under 
the  new  form  of  government,  Brazil  served  a severe  ten  years’  apprenticeship.  In  the 
beginning,  revolution  followed  revolution  and  enormous  sums  of  money  were  spent  with 
inadequate  results.  Blunders  were  committed  in  finances,  in  politics,  and  in  the  essentials 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


99 


of  good  government,  with  no  apparent  error  of  form.  The  staunchest  republicans  of  the 
“old  guard”  invited  criticism  by  the  adoption  of  methods  not  consistent  with  the  principles 
of  republicanism;  but  with  all  this  Brazil  never  quite  reached  the  measure  of  folly  and  mis- 
government  that  characterized  the  early  days  of  American  independence,  when  the  United 
States  were  said  to  be  “drifting  toward  anarchy”  and  the  currency  had  lost  its  purchasing 
power.  Brazil,  under  less  favorable  circumstances,  did  better  than  that;  and,  once  past  the 
era  of  revolution,  discord  and  conspiracy,  which  culminated  in  the  attempted  assassination 
of  President  Prudente  Moraes  and  the  martyrdom  of  brave  General  Bittencourt,  the  inherent 
good  sense  and  patriotism  of  the  nation,  shocked  by  that  terrible  event,  became  aroused  in 
a strong  reaction  against  revolutions  and  the  demagogues  who  incite  them.  As  a result, 
Brazil  entered  upon  a new  phase  of  political  life,  as  quiet  and  peaceful  as  it  had  before  been 
agitated  and  bellicose.  The  whole  nation  became  interested  in  the  country’s  progress  and 
in  the  solution  of  all  problems  affecting  its  development.  The  policy  of  President  Campos- 
Salles  was  in  accord  with  the  sentiment 
of  the  people,  and  by  his  tact,  no  less 
than  by  his  rare  talent,  he  was  able  to 
carry  out  an  important  programme  of 
reform  and  progress. 

The  inauguration  of  the  twentieth 
century  was  celebrated  with  especial 
significance  in  Brazil,  as  it  marked  the 
fourth  centennial  of  the  discovery.  In 
the  month  of  May,  every  city  of  the 
republic  observed  the  anniversary  with 
brilliant  festivities.  In  Rio,  the  occasion 
was  characterized  by  a magnificent  dis- 
play. The  Portuguese  government,  in 
honor  of  the  event,  sent  a special  am- 
bassador, General  Cunha,  who  arrived 
on  the  3d  of  May  in  the  cruiser  Don 
Carlos,  and  was  received  with  distin- 
guished honors.  The  ceremonies  lasted 
several  days,  one  of  the  most  important 
events  being  the  unveiling  and  dedi- 
cation of  the  monument  to  Cabral  in 
the  Praga  Alvares  Cabral.  The  Brazilian 
sculptor  Bernardelli  is  the  author  of  the 
monument,  which  is  a fine  work  of  art,  representing  the  famous  Portuguese  navigator  with 
his  companions,  Caminha,  the  chronicler  of  the  discovery,  and  Henrique  the  monk,  the 
three  founders  of  the  wonderful  country  which  they  named  “The  Land  of  the  Holy  Cross.” 


DR.  FRANCISCO  DE  PAULO  RODRIGUES  ALVES, 
PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL,  1902-1906. 


IOO 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  official  reception  on  the  second  day  in  honor  of  the  occasion  was  a memorable  function, 
attended  by  Ambassador  Cunha,  the  guest  of  honor,  by  the  President  of  Brazil  and  members 
of  his  cabinet,  the  army  and  navy  officials,  the  foreign  diplomatic  corps,  and  the  represent- 
ative society  of  the  capital.  Eulogistic  addresses  were  made  by  Dr.  Olyntho  de  Magalhaes, 
Brazilian  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  and  by  the  Portuguese  ambassador;  two  distin- 
guished Brazilian  poets,  Senhor  Luiz  Guimaraes,  Jr.,  and  Olavo  Bilac,  contributed  poems  in 
honor  of  the  event,  and  a grand  ball  gave  the  evening  a brilliant  termination.  Before  the 
close  of  the  festivities,  a numismatic  exhibition  took  place,  at  which  nearly  ten  thousand  coins 
and  medals  were  displayed,  Brazil  contributing  a quarter  of  the  number,  among  them  nearly 
all  the  coins  of  the  country  used  from  the  time  of  the  discovery  up  to  the  present  day.  An 
exhibition  of  Arts  and  Industries,  opened  on  the  last  day,  was  another  feature  that  proved 
most  interesting,  and  was  highly  creditable  to  the  advancement  and  progress  of  Brazil. 
Illuminations,  parades,  military  and  naval  reviews,  banquets,  excursions,  in  fact,  a continuous 
succession  of  entertainments,  made  the  week  a memorable  one  in  the  history  of  the  capital. 
Never  had  the  sentiment  of  friendship  toward  the  mother  country  been  more  beautifully 
shown  by  Brazil  than  it  was  on  the  four  hundredth  anniversary  of  its  history,  when  the 
two  countries  celebrated,  in  this  great  event,  the  inalienable  union  of  kinship,  strengthened 
by  bonds  of  mutual  sympathies  and  respect. 

During  the  administration  of  President  Campos-Salles  was  settled  a boundary  question 
that  for  three  centuries  had  existed  between  Brazil  and  France.  The  southern  limits  of 
French  Guiana  formed  the  subject  of  dispute,  but  the  long-standing  differences  having  failed 
to  be  adjusted  after  numerous  conferences,  it  was  agreed,  in  1897,  to  submit  the  question 
to  a court  of  arbitration,  the  members  of  which  were  to  be  named  by  the  Swiss  govern- 
ment. The  French  government  having  modified  its  earlier  demands,  which  included  territory 
bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Amazon  River,  on  the  east  by  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  on  the 
west  by  the  Rio  Branco,  the  contestants  defined  the  disputed  territory  as  comprising  an 
area  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  square  miles,  of  which,  under  the  award, 
Brazil  secured  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  thousand  square  miles,  and  France  three 
thousand  square  miles.  It  was  decreed  that  the  boundaries  were  to  be  the  Oyapok  River 
throughout  its  course,  and  the  water-shed  line  of  the  Tumuc-Humac  Mountains  from 
the  source  of  the  Oyapok  to  the  Dutch  frontier.  The  successful  settlement  of  this  dispute 
was  chiefly  due  to  the  efforts  of  the  Baron  de  Rio- Branco,  who  represented  Brazil  in  the 
famous  controversy. 

As  a result  of  the  presidential  election  of  1902,  Dr.  Campos-Salles  was  succeeded  by 
Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves.  The  notable  progress  which  the  country  had  enjoyed  under  the  good 
government  of  Dr.  Campos-Salles  was  apparent  in  all  branches  of  the  administration,  and 
when  he  retired  from  the  presidency  he  left  a splendid  record  of  executive  genius  and 
statesmanship.  His  name  is  held  in  great  esteem  in  Brazil,  and  he  is  everywhere  honored 
as  an  experienced  statesman,  an  orator  of  exceptional  power  and  eloquence,  and  a citizen  of 
blameless  character.  Like  his  predecessor,  he  first  saw  the  light  in  that  cradle  of  patriots, 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


10 1 

Sao  Paulo,  having  been  born  in  Campinas  in  1841.  He  began  very  early  to  shape  his 
career,  and  while  still  a youth  he  was  elected  to  the  Provincial  Assembly  of  Sao  Paulo. 
When  the  question  of  the  abolition  of  slaves  came  up  for  discussion,  he  urged  the  reform 
with  eloquence,  and  though  a land-owner 
himself,  and  depending  upon  slave-labor,  he 
fought  for  the  reform  till  it  became  law,  free- 
ing his  own  slaves  as  an  example  and  a proof 
of  his  sincerity.  He  was  prominent  in  every 
administration  of  the  republic  from  its  inau- 
guration to  his  election  as  chief  executive, 
and  was  president  of  Sao  Paulo  at  the  time 
of  his  nomination  to  the  national  presidency. 

His  administration  was  based  on  high  princi- 
ples and  directed  with  courage  and  devotion. 

The  government  of  President  Rodrigues 
Alves  may  be  said  to  mark  the  most  eventful 
period  in  the  transition  from  the  old  to  the 
new  Brazil.  From  the  day  of  the  President’s 
election  to  that  of  his  retirement  four  years 
later,  all  the  energy  of  his  remarkable  states- 
manship was  directed  toward  the  carrying 
out  of  the  ambitious  programme  which  he 
announced  in  his  inaugural  address,  and 
which  included  the  improvement  of  the 
sanitary  condition  of  the  Federal  capital,  the 
establishment  of  greater  facilities  for  its  commerce,  and  the  advancement  of  Brazil’s  foreign 
relations.  The  complete  success  with  which  an  undertaking  of  such  immense  magnitude 
was  accomplished  is  the  wonder  and  admiration  of  the  world,  and  will  forever  stand  a noble 
monument  to  his  talent  and  patriotism,  commemorating  the  greatest  victory  yet  won  by 
Brazil  under  the  banner  of  “Order  and  Progress.”  In  his  stupendous  enterprises,  the 
President  had  the  able  cooperation  of  the  ministers  of  his  cabinet:  Baron  de  Rio-Branco, 
Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs;  Dr.  Jose  Leopoldo  de  Bulhoes,  Finance  Minister;  Dr.  Lauro 
Muller,  Minister  of  Industry,  Transportation,  and  Public  Works;  Dr.  J.  J.  Seabra,  of  Interior 
and  Justice,  who  resigned  during  the  last  year  of  the  administration  and  was  replaced  by 
Dr.  Gaspar  de  Barros  Almeida;  Marshal  Argollo,  War;  and  Admiral  Julio  Cesar  de  Noronha, 
Marine.  With  the  exception  of  Dr.  Seabra,  all  his  ministers  remained  with  the  President 
throughout  his  term  of  office.  Having  chosen  for  his  cabinet  the  men  in  whose  ability  and 
energy  he  had  reason  to  place  the  greatest  confidence,  the  President  allowed  all  his  ministers 
perfect  liberty  in  their  own  department,  receiving  from  each  a loyal  obedience  to  the  plan 
of  the  government,  while  he  gave  in  return  an  unequivocal  demonstration  of  support  and 


DR.  NILO  PECANHA,  VICE-PRESIDENT  OF  BRAZIL 


102 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


confidence.  The  result  was  an  administration  remarkable  for  the  harmony  that  existed  in  all 
departments,  and  for  the  effective  character  of  the  work  accomplished  through  sympathetic 
and  united  effort. 

In  order  to  improve  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Federal  capital,  it  was  found  neces- 
sary to  transform  a large  portion  of  the  city.  Old  streets,  narrow  and  badly  drained,  with 
houses  so  built  as  not  to  admit  of  healthful  ventilation,  had  to  be  destroyed,  and  the  manner 
in  which  this  great  work  was  accomplished  reflects  credit  on  all  who  were  identified  with 
the  plan  and  its  execution.  The  most  remarkable  feature  of  the  transformation  was  the 
construction  of  the  Avenida  Central,  under  the  direction  of  the  eminent  Minister  of  Public 
Works,  Dr.  Lauro  Muller.  It  was  a courageous  undertaking,  as  it  meant  the  cutting  of  a 
broad,  spacious  boulevard  through  a labyrinth  of  narrow  and  tortuous  streets,  and  required 
the  destruction  of  a vast  amount  of  property  in  the  heart  of  the  business  section  of  the 
capital.  In  September,  1903,  Dr.  Lauro  Muller  named  a special  commission  to  prepare  a 
project  for  the  improvement  of  the  port  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  this  commission  was  unani- 
mous in  recommending,  as  one  of  the  most  necessary  means  toward  accomplishing  this 
end,  the  construction  of  a central  thoroughfare  through  the  lower  part  of  the  city  from 
north  to  south,  to  cut  across  the  section  which  forms  a peninsula  between  the  Prainha 
and  the  Praia  da  Lapa.  The  supervision  of  this  vast  enterprise  was  placed  in  the 
hands  of  a distinguished  Brazilian  engineer,  Dr.  Paulo  de  Frontin,  to  whose  energy  and 
ability  much  of  the  success  is  due.  On  the  8th  of  March,  1904,  the  workmen  began  to 
demolish  the  old  edifices  which  blocked  the  greater  part  of  the  space  destined  for  the 
Avenida.  Eighteen  months  later,  on  the  i^th  of  November,  190^,  the  Avenida  Central  was 
inaugurated,  one  of  the  finest  thoroughfares  in  the  world.  No  nation  can  show  a more 
conspicuous  example  of  modern  energy  and  enterprise  than  is  seen  in  the  new  Federal 
capital  of  Brazil.  The  Avenida,  which  is  paved  with  asphalt,  is  six  thousand  feet  long  and 
more  than  two  hundred  feet  wide,  and  has  a line  of  shade  trees  down  the  middle,  alter- 
nating with  ornamental  posts  for  electric  lights.  Along  the  curb  are  shade  trees  and  gaslight 
posts  at  regular  intervals,  so  that  the  great  avenue  has  a triple  line  of  trees  and  is  abundantly 
lighted.  The  cost  of  this  work  was  more  than  twelve  million  five  hundred  thousand  dollars 
in  gold.  The  municipality  of  the  Federal  district  united  with  the  Federal  government  in  the 
sanitation  and  beautifying  of  the  capital,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  prefect,  Dr.  Francisco 
Pereira  Passos,  many  of  the  narrow  streets  were  widened,  notably  the  Rua  Visconde  de 
Inhauma  and  Rua  Uruguayana,  which  were  transformed  into  broad  and  handsome  avenues. 
The  Avenida  Beira-Mar  was  laid  out  as  a magnificent  boulevard,  connecting  with  the  Avenida 
Central  at  the  Praia  da  Lapa,  and  forming  a splendid  driveway  along  the  shore  of  the  bay  to 
Botafogo  and  beyond,  for  a distance  of  six  miles.  More  than  a thousand  houses  were  torn 
down  to  make  room  for  the  street  improvements,  and  a new  system  of  scientific  and  prac- 
tical sanitation  was  established. 

The  improvement  of  the  port  for  purposes  of  commerce  was  undertaken  on  the  same 
gigantic  lines  as  the  work  of  rebuilding  the  city.  In  1903,  the  Federal  government  gave  to 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


103 


an  English  firm,  Messrs.  C.  H.  Walker  & Co.,  the  order  for  the  construction  of  the  port 
works,  to  include  a stone  quay  ten  thousand  six  hundred  feet  in  length,  extending  along  the 
bay  westward  from  the  Prainha  to  the  Canal  de  Mangue,  with  warehouses,  installation  of  all 
apparatus  necessary  to  handle  cargo,  railways  to  receive  and  dispatch  merchandise,  and  a 
channel  alongside,  nine  hundred  and  ten  feet  wide  and  thirty  feet  deep  at  low  tide.  To 
cover  the  cost  of  this  great  work  a special  tax  of  two  per  cent  in  gold  was  imposed  on  all 
imports,  so  that  the  ordinary  budget  would  not  be  overburdened.  According  to  the  terms 
of  the  contract,  this  great  enterprise  must  be  concluded  by  the  30th  of  June,  1910.  The  cost 
was  covered  by  a loan  of  eight  million  five  hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling,  negotiated  in 
London  in  1902.  When  this  new  work  is  finished,  Rio  will  be  one  of  the  best  equipped 
ports  of  the  world,  for  the  prompt  loading  and  unloading  of  foreign  merchandise. 

The  government  of  President  Rodrigues  Alves  was  not  only  occupied  with  one  of  the 
greatest  practical  reforms  in  the  nation’s  history,  the  improvement  of  material  conditions, 
but  gave  attention  to  many  questions  of  political  and  financial  importance  upon  which 
depended  the  future  course  of  national  progress.  Under  his  administration  the  relations 
between  the  Federal  union  and  the  State  governments  were  more  clearly  defined,  the  pres- 
ervation of  the  union  being  shown  to  depend  upon  the  loyalty  of  the  various  States  that 
compose  it.  The  welfare  of  the  whole  nation  was  held  to  be  of  the  first  importance,  while 
the  interests  of  each  State  are  sought 
in  the  interests  of  the  entire  republic. 

The  question  of  States’  rights  was 
particularly  important,  the  acquisition 
of  new  territory  having  caused  a dis- 
cussion as  to  whether  such  lands 
should  be  included  within  the  juris- 
diction of  the  states  on  which  they 
bordered,  or  should  belong  to  the  Fed- 
eral government,  to  be  incorporated 
into  new  States,  or  departamentos,  as 
was  afterward  done  in  the  case  of  the 
Acre  territory. 

By  the  treaty  of  Petropolis,  which 
was  signed  between  Brazil  and  Bolivia 
on  the  17th  of  November,  1903,  the 
dispute  regarding  the  Acre  territory, 
which  lies  in  the  richest  rubber  pro- 
ducing region  of  the  world,  was  settled, 
and  the  line  separating  the  two  countries  was  satisfactorily  established.  The  treaty  pro- 
vided for  an  exchange  of  territory,  and  a further  agreement  on  the  part  of  Brazil  to  pay 
two  million  pounds  sterling,  and  to  construct  the  Madeira-Mamore  railway,  in  consideration 


DR.  JOAQUIM  NABUCO,  AMBASSADOR  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


104 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


of  the  unequal  extent  of  the  territories  exchanged.  This  treaty  is  an  evidence  of  the  highest 
diplomacy  and  reflects  credit  upon  the  representatives  of  both  governments.  It  was  largely 
due  to  the  statesmanship  of  the  Brazilian  representative,  the  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  Minister 

for  Foreign  Affairs,  that  the  Acre  affair  was 
brought  to  a close  amicably,  as  it  had  threatened 
at  one  time  not  only  to  disturb  the  relations 
between  Brazil  and  Bolivia,  but  to  involve  all 
South  America.  The  remoteness  of  the  territory 
and  the  difficulty  of  governing  it  had  been  a 
source  of  trouble  to  both  Brazil  and  Bolivia  for 
years.  When  Bolivia  decided  to  lease  her  part 
of  it  to  the  Bolivian  Syndicate  in  1901,  hoping 
thus  to  secure  its  progress  and  development 
and  to  make  it  a source  of  greater  revenue, 
Brazil  objected  on  the  ground  that  it  meant  the 
introduction  of  a foreign  power,  similar  to  the 
Chartered  Companies  which  had  held  almost 
sovereign  dominion  in  Asia  and  Africa,  with  dis- 
astrous results  to  the  political  supremacy  of 
the  countries  they  invaded.  In  view  of  the  atti- 
tude taken  by  the  South  American  countries,  the 
Bolivian  Syndicate  withdrew,  and  on  the  21st 
of  March,  1903,  Bolivia  and  Brazil  entered  into 
negotiations  for  the  settlement  of  their  respective  claims  in  the  Acre  territory.  The  treaty 
of  Petropolis  was  the  result  of  these  negotiations.  An  important  feature  of  the  exchange  of 
territory,  and  indeed  one  of  its  chief  motives,  was  the  incorporation  into  Brazilian  territory 
of  that  part  of  the  Acre,  formerly  under  Bolivian  government,  in  which  the  Portuguese 
language  is  spoken,  and  the  incorporation  into  Bolivian  territory  of  the  land,  formerly 
Brazilian,  in  which  the  Spanish  language  is  spoken.  Brazil  has  since  divided  her  newly 
acquired  territory  into  three  departamentos,  Alto  Acre,  Alto  Purus,  and  Alto  Jurua,  each 
governed  by  a Prefect. 

The  urgent  necessity  for  fixing  the  limits  of  the  republic  has  led  the  Brazilian  govern- 
ment to  devote  especial  attention  to  this  matter,  and  during  President  Rodrigues  Alves’s 
administration,  the  boundaries  were  settled  with  four  neighboring  countries,  Bolivia,  Ecuador, 
and  the  British  and  the  Dutch  Guianas.  The  King  of  Italy  arbitrated  the  question  of  the 
British  Guiana  boundary,  the  Brazilian  claim  being  ably  supported  by  Dr.  Joaquim  Nabuco, 
Ambassador  to  the  United  States.  The  Foreign  Minister,  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  on  the  6th  of 
May,  1904,  signed  a treaty  establishing  the  boundary  line  between  Brazil  and  Ecuador,  and 
on  the  cph  of  May,  another,  with  the  Minister  of  the  Netherlands,  fixing  the  limits  between 
Brazil  and  Dutch  Guiana. 


DR.  RUY  BARBOSA. 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


IOS 


An  important  part  of  the  programme  of  President  Alves,  as  he  stated  in  the  inaugural 
address,  was  to  extend  and  strengthen  the  foreign  relations  of  Brazil,  and  the  success  with 
which  this  plan  was  carried  out  is  one  of  the  memorable  features  of  his  administration.  In 
addition  to  the  settlement  of  the  boundary  question  referred  to,  international  relations  of 
extraordinary  significance  were  promoted  through  the  activity  of  the  Foreign  Office.  Brazil 
was  made  to  take  a higher  place  than  ever  before  in  the  congress  of  nations,  by  reason  of 
the  recognition  received  from  leading  powers.  The  most  eminent  scholars  of  Latin  America 
met  at  the  Brazilian  capital  in  a Latin-American  Scientific  Congress,  an  event  of  unusual 
importance  in  the  history  of  scientific  research  in  the  New  World.  By  the  reestablishment 
of  the  Legation  of  Mexico,  all  the  countries  of  America,  with  the  single  exception  of  Vene- 
zuela, were  represented  in  the  diplomatic  corps  of  Brazil.  The  Legation  of  the  United  States 
was  elevated  to  an  Embassy,  Brazil  being  the  first  South  American  country  to  receive  this 
distinguished  recognition  from  the  great  republic  of  the  north.  Ambassador  Thompson  was 
appointed  to  represent  the  United  States  at  Rio,  and  Ambassador  Joaquim  Nabuco  was  sent 
in  the  same  exalted  capacity  to  represent  Brazil  at  Washington.  The  precedence  which 
Brazil  enjoys  among  the  religious  congregations  of  South  America  was  signalized  by  the 
appointment  of  Archbishop  Arcoverde  of  Rio  to  the  Sacred  College  of  Cardinals,  Brazil 
being  the  first  South  American  country  to  be 
thus  honored  by  the  Holy  See. 

The  inauguration  of  a new  era  in  the 
national  life  and  progress  of  Brazil,  was  par- 
ticularly emphasized  by  the  events  of  inter- 
national importance  which  marked  the  closing 
year  of  the  administration  of  President  Alves. 

For  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  New 
World,  a conference  of  the  leading  statesmen 
representing  each  of  the  republics  of  which  it  is 
composed  was  held  in  a South  American  capital ; 
and  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the 
republic  of  the  United  States,  its  Secretary  of 
State  paid  an  official  visit  to  a foreign  nation. 

The  occasion  was  one  of  great  political  signifi- 
cance, and  as  such  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
regarded  it.  The  attention  of  the  great  powers 
was  directed  to  Brazil  as  never  before,  and  their 
eyes  were  opened  to  the  fact  that  in  South 
America,  as  well  as  in  North  America,  the  spirit 
of  western  civilization  has  developed  powerful  and  imposing  factors  in  the  control  of  the 
world’s  politics.  The  reunion  of  the  third  Pan-American  Congress  at  Rio,  and  the  visit  to 
that  city  of  Secretary  Elilui  Root  of  the  United  States,  were  the  natural  consequences  of  a 


DR.  QUINTINO  BOCAYUVA. 


io6 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


recognition  of  the  united  interest  between  the  countries  of  North  and  South  America  which 
has  been  developing  within  recent  years,  and  especially  since  the  organization  of  the  first 
Pan-American  Congress.  Within  this  time  Brazil  has  changed  her  form  of  government  from 
an  empire  to  a republic,  and  the  cordiality  which  marked  her  attitude  toward  the  United 
States  under  the  former  regime  has  been  strengthened  under  the  new  order  of  things. 
There  is  a natural  bond  between  Brazil  and  the  United  States  in  their  territorial  greatness 
and  their  political  destiny;  and  the  friendship  which  exists  between  them  can  only  be 
productive  of  good  results.  The  welcome  accorded  to  Mr.  Root,  the  handsome  demon- 
stration of  goodwill  made  by  the  Brazilian  people  in  his  honor  and  that  of  the  nation  he 
represented,  profoundly  impressed  the  great  statesman. 

The  third  Pan-American  Congress  held  its  sessions  in  the  magnificent  Monroe  Palace, 
which  occupies  an  ideal  site  overlooking  the  bay,  at  the  junction  of  the  Avenida  Central  and 
the  Avenida  Beira-Mar.  The  Congress  was  formally  opened  by  the  provisional  president, 
Baron  de  Rio- Branco,  who,  with  Secretary  Root,  was  afterward  elected  honorary  president, 
Ambassador  Joaquim  Nabuco,  of  Brazil,  being  called  to  the  active  presidency.  In  his  inau- 
gural address,  Baron  de  Rio- Branco  defined  the  purpose  of  the  Congress,  which  was  not 
for  the  discussion  of  political  differences,  but  for  the  mutual  interchange  of  ideas  to  promote 
the  common  good,  looking  forward  to  the  blessing  of  international  fraternity.  The  welcome 
which  he  extended  in  the  name  of  the  Brazilian  nation  was  characterized  by  the  proverbial 
hospitality  of  its  people.  In  the  interval  between  the  sessions,  the  visitors  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  enjoy  the  charm  of  Brazilian  life  and  to  revel  in  the  beauty  of  the  most  picturesque 
capital  of  the  world.  The  deliberations  of  Congress  were  devoted  to  questions  involving 
the  general  welfare  of  all  the  countries  represented.  Resolutions  were  adopted  ratifying  the 
adhesion  of  the  Congress  to  the  principle  of  arbitration,  and  recommending  to  the  nations 
there  represented  that  they  give  instructions  to  their  delegates  to  the  second  Congress  of 
the  Hague  to  advocate,  in  that  assembly,  the  celebration  of  a general  convention  of  arbitra- 
tion so  efficacious  and  definite  that,  by  meriting  the  approbation  of  the  civilized  world,  it 
may  be  accepted  and  placed  in  power  by  all  nations.  It  was  also  resolved  to  continue  the 
International  Union  of  American  Republics,  created  by  the  first  Congress  and  confirmed  by 
the  second,  and  to  reorganize  the  International  Bureau  of  American  Republics,  which  will 
represent  the  Union,  having  in  its  custody  the  archives  of  the  Pan-American  Congresses, 
and  contributing  by  all  means  in  its  power,  supported  by  the  various  republics,  to  further 
the  purposes  of  the  Union.  Further  resolutions  treating  of  questions  of  Pan-American 
interest  were  passed,  among  which  one  of  the  most  important  related  to  the  construction 
of  the  Pan-American  railroad.  It  was  resolved  that  each  country  should  promote  the 
construction  of  that  part  of  the  road  to  pass  through  its  territory,  organizing  engineer 
corps  to  aid  in  necessary  surveys,  etc.,  and  determining  the  concessions  of  lands,  sub- 
sidies, guarantees  on  invested  capital,  and  other  matters  bearing  on  the  financial  features 
of  the  enterprise,  with  a view  to  completing  the  work  with  the  least  possible  delay  and 
expense.  The  means  of  facilitating  communication  between  the  countries  of  America 


THE  Cl  NIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


received  considerable  attention,  especially  the  question  of  steamship  lines,  telegraphs  and 
postal  service.  An  international  board  of  jurists  was  formed,  composed  of  one  representa- 
tive from  each  of  the  American  republics,  appointed  by  the  respective  governments,  for  the 
purpose  of  preparing  a project 
for  an  international  code  of 
laws,  the  first  reunion  of  the 
board  to  meet  in  Rio  de  Janeiro 
in  1907.  It  was  also  resolved 
to  recommend  to  the  various 
governments  the  celebration 
of  an  International  American 
Conference  at  Sao  Paulo  to 
study  the  question  of  coffee 
production,  which  is  of  great 
economic  importance  to  most 
of  the  countries  of  America. 

A revision  of  the  monetary 
system  of  each  of  the  republics 
was  recommended,  and  a care- 
ful analysis  of  the  information 
to  be  gained  about  industrial, 
legal  and  financial  conditions 
throughout  the  American  con- 
tinent. 

The  arrival  of  Mr.  Root  at 
the  Congress  was  the  occasion 
of  an  especial  demonstration. 

The  address  of  welcome  in  his 
honor  was  delivered  by  the 

president  of  the  Congress,  Ambassador  Joaquim  Nabuco,  and  Secretary  Root  responded  in 
a memorable  speech,  which  has  since  been  published  in  the  leading  American  and  European 
periodicals.  Special  envoys  from  several  European  countries  were  sent  to  Brazil  to  be 
present  on  an  occasion  which  was  of  importance  to  the  whole  civilized  world.  The 
Monroe  Palace  was  the  scene  of  great  animation,  the  fags  that  floated  over  it  signifying 
the  cordial  union  of  all  the  nations  there  represented.  The  Brazilian  flag  bore  in  its  blue 
field  twenty-two  stars,  one  of  which  stood  for  the  newly  acquired  territory  of  Acre. 

When  the  presidential  term  of  President  Alves  expired,  the  nation  had  hardly  had 
time  to  realize  the  magnitude  of  his  services  to  the  country,  so  rapidly  had  events  passed 
before  the  eyes  of  the  people  during  the  activity  and  change  which  marked  his  administra- 
tion. The  transformation  of  the  capital  had  caused  some  doubts  and  fears,  when  rigid 


THE  SUPREME  COURT.  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


io8 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


sanitary  methods  disturbed  the  general  comfort,  and  the  tearing  down  of  more  than  a 
thousand  homes  threatened  all  sorts  of  evils.  The  moment  furnished  an  opportunity 
for  political  malcontents  to  stir  up  feeling  against  the  President  and  his  ministers  on  an 
unworthy  pretext,  and,  led  by  General  Travassos  and  Colonel  Lauro  Sodre,  an  armed 
force  of  more  than  one  thousand  men  prepared  to  march  on  the  palace.  When  warned 
that  his  life  was  in  danger,  and  advised  to  seek  safety,  as  the  attack  had  come  too  suddenly 
to  admit  of  its  being  met  by  adequate  forces  of  the  government,  President  Alves  responded 
with  characteristic  firmness  and  decision : “ My  place  is  here,  and  only  as  a dead  man  will 
I be  taken  away.”  Through  the  wonderful  devotion  and  sang  froid  of  the  President,  and 
through  the  loyalty  and  courage  of  General  Hermes  da  Fonseca,  who  resisted  the  insur- 
gents’ attack  on  the  military  school  of  Realengo  and  sent  the  first  warning  to  the  palace, 
the  threatened  catastrophe  was  averted,  the  disturbance  quelled  and  quiet  restored.  The 
leaders  were  imprisoned,  General  Travassos  dying  soon  afterward  from  the  effects  of  a 
wound  received  on  the  night  of  the  attack.  The  Minister  of  War  disarmed  the  military 
students  implicated  in  the  revolt  and  they  were  imprisoned.  In  Matto  Grosso  the  authori- 
ties were  obliged  to  call  on  the  Federal  government  for  troops  to  put  down  a political 
revolt,  which  lasted  for  several  months.  But  these  uprisings  were  of  minor  importance 
in  the  light  of  the  lasting  good  accomplished  in  the  history  of  this  administration. 

Peace  and  tranquillity  reigned  in  every  part  of  the  republic  when  President  Alves  retired 
from  office.  He  left  the  public  credit  established  on  a firm  basis.  Important  improve- 
ments in  many  States  showed  an  awakened  energy  and  enterprise  which  found  expres- 
sion in  all  sections.  The  new  Federal  capital  stood  as  a splendid  memorial  to  his  genius. 
Yellow  fever  had  been  stamped  out  and  a transformation  effected,  not  only  in  the  sanitation 
and  hygiene  of  the  city,  but  also  in  the  management  of  its  hospitals  and  asylums.  New 
railways  had  been  inaugurated,  plans  perfected  for  the  investigation  of  important  mineral 
resources,  and  the  Caixa  de  Amortizagao  inaugurated  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  adoption 
of  a gold  standard  of  currency.  In  the  war  department,  reforms  had  been  introduced, 
military  hospitals,  quartels,  and  arsenals  had  been  improved  in  management  and  equip- 
ment, and  military  education  had  been  systematized  according  to  more  modern  methods. 
In  military  reforms,  the  higher  officials  of  the  army  cooperated  with  the  minister,  the 
commander-in-chief,  General  Mendes  de  Moraes,  who  is  one  of  Brazil’s  most  distinguished 
soldiers,  giving  special  attention  to  the  organization  of  the  army.  Increased  importance 
had  been  assured  to  the  marine  defence  by  an  arrangement  for  the  purchase  of  new 
warships;  naval  instruction  had  been  advanced  through  the  establishment  of  modern 
technical  schools  and  by  a programme  of  naval  visits  to  national  and  foreign  ports  in 
the  interests  of  a broader  naval  education.  Through  the  department  of  Foreign  Affairs  the 
exterior  interests  of  Brazil  had  kept  pace  with  its  interior  development,  the  foreign  relation 
of  the  republic  being  promoted  with  such  honor  and  glory  to  the  nation  that  at  the 
close  of  President  Alves’s  administration  the  country  enjoyed  greater  prestige  abroad 
than  ever  before. 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


109 


It  is  not  surprising  that  the  Brazilian  people  came  to  appreciate  the  greatness  of  their 
President,  and  that  the  national  voice  was  unanimous  in  gratitude  to  him  and  his  able  and 
loyal  ministers  for  the  noble  work  that  was  accomplished  in  the  behalf  of  their  country 
through  the  stupendous  efforts  of  his  administration.  Calm  and  serene  in  voice  and 
manner,  President  Rodrigues  Alves  gave  little  suggestion  in  his  gentle  personality  of  the 
indomitable  energy  and  unflinching  courage  which  marked  his  character,  yet  his  will  was 
iron  where  the  question  of  duty  was  involved,  and  all  the  powers  of  antagonism  or 
persuasion  could  not  shake  him  from  a position  taken  in  the  belief  that  it  was  for  the 
best  interests  of  his  beloved  Brazil.  And  this  firmness  and  patriotism  have  distinguished 
Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves  not  only  as  President  but  throughout  his  whole  public  career,  which 
shows  a record  worthy  of  immortal  fame.  He  was  born  in  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo  in 
the  little  city  of  Guaretingueta,  July  7,  1849.  His  remarkable  intellectual  and  moral  quali- 
ties early  attracted  attention.  He  was  one  of  the  most  promising  students  of  the  Law 
School,  from  which  he  was  graduated  while  still  in  his  teens,  and  when  only  twenty- 
two  years  of  age  he  was  elected  a deputy  to  the  Provincial  Assembly  of  Sao  Paulo.  The 
campaign  in. favor  of  the  abolition  of 
slavery  found  in  him  an  ardent  and 
able  champion,  and  he  employed  his 
talents  both  as  an  orator  and  a journal- 
ist in  behalf  of  the  cause,  until  its  tri- 
umph was  celebrated  by  the  famous 
Emancipation  Bill  signed  by  the  Prin- 
cess Regent  in  1888.  Dr.  Rodrigues 
Alves  was  then  president  of  the  prov- 
ince of  Sao  Paulo,  an  honor  which  he 
held  until  the  fall  of  the  empire,  when 
he  was  elected  a deputy  to  the  Con- 
stitutional Assembly  of  the  Republic. 

His  financial  ability  and  administrative 
judgment  were  of  the  most  eminent 
value  to  the  new  government.  As 
Minister  of  Finance  under  President 
Floriano  Peixoto  and  afterward  under 
President  Prudente  Moraes,  his  ser- 
vices proved  indispensable  to  the 
task  of  bringing  order  out  of  chaos 
in  the  financial  affairs  of  the  country 
during  the  first  years  of  the  republic.  As  Senator  of  the  republic,  and  later,  as  President 
of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  when  by  the  choice  of  the  nation  he  was  called  to  the  high 
office  of  President  of  Brazil,  Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves  always  held  the  respect,  esteem  and 


DR.  LAURO  MULLER. 


I IO 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


affection  of  his  people,  who  recognized  in  the  qualities  of  their  honored  compatriot  the 
best  interpretation  of  the  national  character. 

When  the  mantle  of  state  fell  from  the  shoulders  of  Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves,  the  question 
of  a worthy  successor  to  the  honor  of  the  nation’s  highest  gift  was  solved  by  the  election  of 
Dr.  Affonso  Augusto  Moreira  Penna,  who  was  inaugurated  President  of  the  republic  on  the 
17th  of  November,  1906.  President  Penna  was  Vice-President  during  the  administration  of 
President  Alves,  and  perfect  accord  and  sympathy  existed  between  these  two  great  men, 
who  had  been  companions  and  collaborators  in  political  and  literary  journalism  forty  years 
before,  when  as  students  together  in  the  Law  School  of  Sao  Paulo  they  were  inspired  by 
the  same  lofty  sentiment  of  patriotism,  and  joined  hands  with  equal  ardor  in  the  combat 
against  political  wrongs. 

President  Affonso  Penna  was  born  at  Santa  Barbara,  in  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes,  on 
the  30th  of  November,  1847,  and  is  the  first  representative  of  that  State  to  be  elected  Presi- 
dent of  Brazil,  though  Minas  has  given  many  noble  sons  to  the  republic,  statesmen  and 
politicians,  who  have  contributed  greatly  toward  making  the  government  stable  and  pros- 
perous, as  it  is  to-day,  an  honor  and  a credit  to  the  nation.  The  present  President  brings  to 
his  high  office  the  rich  experience  gained  through  a long  period  of  political  activity,  first  as  a 
provincial  deputy,  in  1874,  then  as  a deputy  to  the  Imperial  Chamber,  and  later  as  Minister  of 
War,  Minister  of  Agriculture,  and  Minister  of  Justice  under  the  empire.  Three  years  after  the 
inauguration  of  the  republic,  he  was  elected  President  of  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes.  While 
in  that  office  he  transferred  the  capital  of  the  State  from  Ouro  Preto  to  the  present  seat  of 
government,  Bello  Horizonte,  which  was  planned  and  laid  out  under  his  direction,  in  an  ideal 
locality,  on  the  main  line  of  the  chief  railroad  of  the  State.  The  Law  School  of  Minas  Geraes 
was  founded  by  President  Penna,  who  is  deeply  interested  in  the  progress  of  education  in 
his  country.  When  the  term  of  his  presidency  of  the  State  of  Minas  expired,  Dr.  Penna 
returned  to  his  fazenda  in  Santa  Barbara.  He  was  not  long  permitted  to  remain  in  private 
life,  however,  his  talents  being  demanded  in  the  service  of  his  country.  Though  he  declined, 
first  the  honor  of  a chair  in  the  Supreme  Federal  Tribunal,  and  later  the  appointment  of 
Minister  Plenipotentiary,  he  found  himself  obliged  to  yield  to  the  urgent  request  of  his  old 
friend,  Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves,  when,  as  Minister  of  Finance  in  the  government  of  Dr.  Prudente 
Moraes,  that  statesman  echoed  the  call  of  the  President,  appointing  the  illustrious  Mineiro  to 
the  directorship  of  the  Bank  of  the  Republic.  Upon  his  retirement  three  years  later,  Dr.  Penna 
became  Director  of  the  Law  School  of  Minas,  and  devoted  his  exclusive  attention  to  its 
interests  until  1903,  when  he  was  elected  to  the  vice-presidency  of  the  republic.  In  1906 
he  retired  from  this  office  to  assume  the  higher  duties  and  responsibilities  which  devolve 
upon  him  as  President  of  Brazil.  In  his  exalted  position  as  chief  of  the  nation,  President 
Penna  has  the  unbounded  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  people,  who  know,  from  long 
acquaintance,  his  sterling  character,  and  the  rare  quality  of  his  genius  as  a statesman. 

When  Dr.  Penna  assumed  the  presidency,  Dr.  Nilo  Peganha  was  elected  Vice-President. 
Dr.  Peganha,  who  represents  the  younger  generation,  began  his  public  career  with  the 


THE  CIVIL  PRESIDENTS  AND  EARLY  STATESMEN 


1 1 1 

inauguration  of  the  Republic,  when,  at  twenty-two  years  of  age  he  was  elected  a deputy  to 
the  Constitutional  Assembly.  Since  that  time  he  has  rendered  distinguished  services  to  his 
country  as  Deputy,  Senator  and  Governor 
of  the  State  of  Rio.  He  is  one  of  the  most 
gifted  sons  of  the  republic. 

With  characteristic  energy  and  judg- 
ment, Dr.  Penna  prepared  for  his  admin- 
istration by  making  a tour  of  the  republic, 
in  order  to  become  familiar  with  the  social, 
industrial,  and  political  situation  in  the  dif- 
ferent states.  The  importance  of  such  a 
trip  could  hardly  be  overestimated,  and  it 
was  frequently  referred  to  in  the  Presi- 
dent’s inaugural  address,  in  which  he  ex- 
plained his  programme  of  government, 
and  revealed  his  determination  to  make 
the  amelioration  of  economic  conditions 
a leading  feature  of  his  administration. 

On  this  subject  he  said:  “The  economic 
activity  so  noticeable  here  and  abroad  is 
a sure  indication  that  we  are  entering  on  a 
period  that  promises  well  for  the  general 
welfare.  To  accompany  this  movement, 
which  has  already  absorbed  the  attention 
of  the  rest  of  the  civilized  world,  is  in- 
dispensable under  penalty  of  seriously 
compromising  the  country’s  future.  This  conviction  is  happily  now  general  amongst  us 
and  has  influenced  the  Governments  of  the  different  Brazilian  States. 

“In  modern  times  the  question  par  excellence  which  occupies  the  attention  of  gov- 
ernments, statesmen,  assemblies,  and  the  press,  is  economic.  Congresses  assemble,  inter- 
national treaties  are  celebrated,  and  conflicts  menace  the  peace  of  nations,  as  the  result  of 
the  economic  question  in  its  various -and  multiplied  phases. 

“The  high  mission  of  the  state  is  to  guard  the  well-being  and  improve  the  condition  of 
life  among  the  people,  exercising  its  beneficent  action  in  the  various  branches  of  social 
activity  wherever  individual  initiative,  in  its  diverse  forms,  is  shown  to  be  powerless  or 
insufficient.” 

Following  the  policy  defined  in  the  President’s  programme,  the  present  administration 
is  promoting  and  stimulating  agricultural  and  industrial  production  as  a means  toward 
securing  greater  prosperity  and  happiness  among  the  whole  people.  With  this  object  in 
view,  the  President  recommends  the  encouragement  of  immigration,  technical  training 


ADMIRAL  JOAQUIM  ANTONIO  CORDOVIL  MAURITY, 
COMMANDER  OF  THE  FLEET. 


I 12 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


schools,  reasonably  protective  customs  tariffs,  giving  preference  to  national  products  for  the 
consumption  of  public  establishments;  the  lowering  of  freights  by  land  and  water,  facilities 
for  the  loading  and  unloading  of  merchandise,  the  introduction  of  agricultural  and  manu- 
facturing machinery,  the  development  of  home  and  foreign  commerce ; and  he  adds  that 
the  field  is  sufficiently  vast  for  the  exercise  of  the  best  efforts  of  the  government,  aided  by 
individual  initiative.  In  his  programme,  the  building  of  railways  has  an  important  place, 
because  of  its  intimate  relation  to  the  question  of  immigration,  which  must  be  solved  before 
the  vast  riches  of  the  country  can  be  efficiently  developed.  The  reorganization  of  the 
monetary  system  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  urgent  problems,  and  the  President  gave  it 
considerable  attention  in  his  inaugural  message,  endorsing  the  law  of  1899  for  the  valorisation 
of  the  currency,  but  advising  precautions  against  the  danger  of  too  rapid  reform,  which  must 
cause  distress.  In  international  relations,  President  Penna  continues  the  policy  of  the  pre- 
vious administration,  which  has  been  productive  of  so  much  honor  and  prestige  to  the 
country.  He  clearly  stated  in  his  inaugural  speech  that  on  the  American  continent  there 
can  be  emulation  only  in  trade  and  industry,  in  moral  and  material  progress,  and  in  the 
conquests  of  civilization,  each  nation  endeavoring  to  draw  the  most  benefit  therefrom  and 
from  the  gifts  of  bountiful  Nature,  to  the  advantage  of  humanity  at  large.  Between  Brazil* 
and  her  sister  republics  of  America  there  are  no  differences  that  cannot  be  easily  solved 
without  conflict. 


DR.  FRANCISCO  ROSA  E SII.VA. 


I HE  PALMS  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


CHAPTER  VI 


THE  PRESIDENT’S  CABINET 

IN  the  appointment  of  the  ministers 
1 of  his  Cabinet,  President  Affonso 
Penna  has  called  to  his  council  states- 
men eminently  qualified  to  cooperate 
with  him  in  the  execution  of  his  great 
plan  for  the  continued  development 
and  well-being  of  Brazil.  A spirit  of 
active  patriotism,  expressed  through 
practical  judgment,  broad  knowledge, 
strong  initiative,  and  remarkable  ad- 
ministrative energy,  pervades  the  circle 
of  advisers  by  whom  His  Excellency 
is  surrounded  and  loyally  assisted  in 
the  chief  executive  office. 

The  Department  of  Foreign  Affairs,  through  which  the  power  and  reputation  of  Brazil 
abroad  was  advanced  with  unprecedented  honor  to  the  country  during  the  last  administra- 
tion, continues  to  reflect  the  diplomatic  statesmanship  of  its  illustrious  chief,  Baron  de  Rio- 
Branco,  who  retains  this  portfolio  at  the  request  of  President  Penna,  and  in  accordance 
with  the  sentiment  of  the  whole  nation.  As  elsewhere  stated,  it  is  the  second  time  in  the 
history  of  Brazil  that  the  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs  has  held  office  through  two  successive 
administrations;  the  other  instance  having  occurred  under  the  empire,  when  Viscount  de 
Rio-Branco,  the  father  of  the  baron,  was  foreign  minister.  No  name  in  Brazil  is  held  in 
greater  esteem  and  affection  than  that  of  Rio-Branco,  which  is  identified  not  only  with  the 
triumph  of  liberal  principles  under  the  empire,  but  with  the  beginning  of  a new  era  in  the 
aggrandizement  of  the  republic.  Born  a “ Fluminense,”  as  the  people  of  Rio  are  generally 
called,  Baron  de  Rio-Branco  was  educated  in  his  own  country  and  in  Europe,  and  began 

his  diplomatic  career  at  twenty-four  years  of  age,  when,  in  1869,  he  went  as  secretary  to 

11^ 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


1 16 

his  father,  who  was  then  foreign  minister,  on  a special  mission  to  Argentina  and  Para- 
guay. The  following  year  he  was  appointed  secretary  of  a special  mission  to  negotiate  the 


YELLOW  SALON  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE. 


final  treaty  of  peace  with  Paraguay.  Two  years  later,  as  deputy  to  the  Imperial  Chamber, 
the  ardent  young  patriot  made  a strong  campaign  on  the  floor  of  the  Chamber  and  in  the 
columns  of  the  Na$ao , of  which  he  was  the  editor,  in  favor  of  the  Rio-Branco  law  for 
the  suppression  of  slavery.  From  that  time  to  the  present  he  has  continued  to  serve  his 
country  at  home  and  abroad,  and  the  record  of  his  phenomenal  success  in  adjusting  differ- 
ences between  Brazil  and  foreign  countries,  and  especially  in  securing  the  favorable  settle- 
ment of  long-standing  boundary  claims,  is  unsurpassed  in  modern  diplomacy.  As  minister 
plenipotentiary  on  a special  mission  to  Washington  in  1893  he  secured  for  Brazil  the  favor- 
able decision  of  President  Cleveland  in  the  arbitration  of  the  question  of  the  Argentina 
boundary.  As  soon  as  this  was  settled  his  government  commissioned  him  to  prepare  its 
case  in  the  dispute  over  the  boundary  of  French  Guiana,  in  which  he  won  a second 
triumph,  the  Swiss  government  deciding  overwhelmingly  in  favor  of  Brazil.  For  his 
success  in  this  mission,  Congress  conferred  upon  him  the  title  of  “ Benemerito  Brasileiro,” 
with  a life  annuity,  as  an  expression  of  the  national  gratitude,  at  the  same  time  appointing 
him  Minister  to  Berlin.  From  this  post  he  was  called  by  President  Rodrigues  Alves  to  be 
Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs.  By  the  settlement  of  boundary  questions,  including  that  of  Acre, 
which  was  accomplished  during  the  last  administration,  Baron  de  Rio-Branco  has  added 
to  Brazilian  territory  nearly  five  hundred  thousand  square  kilometres,  thus,  as  an  American 


THE  PRESIDENT’S  CABINET  117 

ambassador  said  recently,  “altering  the  map  of  the  continent  and  increasing  the  geographical 
superficies  of  his  country  without  recourse  to  war  and  even  avoiding  it.”  With  the  conclu- 
sion of  negotiations  now  in  progress  for  the  settlement  of  boundary  claims  with  Peru, 
Colombia,  and  Venezuela,  the  Foreign  Office  will  have  finally  disposed  of  the  question  of 
limits.  Disputed  boundaries  have  long  been  a source  of  trouble  to  the  South  American 
republics,  constituting  the  most  irritating  obstacle  to  their  international  peace  and  friendship. 
As  Brazil  borders  on  all  these  countries  except  Chile,  the  establishment  of  her  boundaries 
is  an  important  step  toward  the  final  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter. 

The  influence  of  the  Foreign  Office  has  never  been  so  powerfully  felt  in  the  progress 
and  advancement  of  the  republic  as  under  the  administration  of  Baron  de  Rio-Branco, 
during  which  the  country  has  received  signal  manifestations  of  international  respect  and 
friendship.  The  creation  of  a Brazilian  cardinal,  the  appointment  of  an  American  ambas- 
sador and  the  official  visit  of  a foreign  secretary  of  state,  afford  culminating  proofs  of  the 
policy  of  the  Foreign  Office,  which  aims  at  the  constant  development  of  foreign  relations, 
believing  they  should  be  extended  and  strengthened  to  keep  pace  with  interior  progress 
and  prosperity.  It  is  this  broad  and  liberal  attitude  toward  foreign  interests  which  has 
contributed  most  powerfully  to  give  Brazil  the  importance  abroad  that  its  greatness  merits, 


GARDEN  OF  ITAMARATY  PALACE 


and  which  has  led  the  press  of  Europe  to  christen  it  “The  Colossus  of  the  South,”  in 
contradistinction  to  the  title  which  the  United  States  bears  among  European  statesmen,  as 
“The  Colossus  of  the  North.” 


1 18 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  great  Brazilian  chancellor  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  statesmen  all  over  the 
world,  as  the  most  eminent  man  of  his  day  in  South  American  diplomacy.  Every  detail  of 

the  Foreign  Office  receives  his  personal  atten- 
tion, or  that  of  the  distinguished  Director- 
General,  Dr.  Federico  Affonso  de  Carvalho, 
who  has  been  connected  with  this  depart- 
ment for  forty  years,  and  possesses  an  in- 
valuable fund  of  knowledge  in  foreign  affairs. 
The  great  activity  that  prevails  under  the 
present  administration  has  tripled  the  corre- 
spondence, cablegrams,  etc.,  which  daily  pass 
through  its  hands.  At  the  present  moment 
arrangements  are  being  completed  for  the 
reception  and  entertainment  of  His  Most 
Faithful  Majesty,  King  Carlos  of  Portugal, 
who  is  to  arrive  in  Rio  in  May,  1908,  as 
the  most  noble  and  illustrious  guest  of  the 
Brazilian  nation.  The  occasion  will  be  the 
celebration  of  the  centennial  anniversary  of 
the  opening  of  Brazilian  ports  to  foreign 
commerce  by  King  Dom  Joao  VI.  of  Portu- 
gal, Brazil,  and  Algarves,  the  royal  ancestor 
of  the  reigning  monarch  of  Portugal.  The 
visit  of  His  Majesty  will  mark  an  epoch  in 
international  relations,  as  it  will  be  the  first 
time  in  the  history  of  nations  that  the 
emancipated  offspring  of  an  Old  World 
monarchy  have  had  the  honor  of  enter- 
taining the  reigning  majesty  of  the  father- 
land  in  their  New  World  republican  home. 
It  is  another  proof  of  the  genius  of  her  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs  that  Brazil  thus  sets  the 
first  example  of  a closer  fraternity  between  the  governments  of  the  Old  and  the  New  World. 

The  Itamaraty  Palace  is  the  official  residence  of  the  Foreign  Minister  and  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  Foreign  Affairs.  It  is  handsomely  fitted  up  for  the  reception  and  entertainment  of 
distinguished  foreign  guests.  The  spacious  ballroom  with  furnishings  of  green  and  gold 
presents  a magnificent  spectacle  on  the  occasion  of  a brilliant  state  function,  when  the  effect- 
iveness of  Parisian  gowns  is  heightened  by  the  rare  old  jewels  which  are  brought  out  of 
caskets  that  have  been  heirlooms  through  generations,  and  have  a history  often  both  inter- 
esting and  romantic.  The  gay  uniforms  which  are  seen  at  these  balls  give  an  additional  note 
of  color  and  brightness,  those  of  the  Brazilian  officers  being  particularly  handsome.  The 


BARON  DE  RIO-BRANCO,  MINISTER  OF  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS. 


THE  PRESIDENT’S  CABINET  119 

yellow  salon  is  the  principal  reception  room,  a spacious  and  elegantly  furnished  apartment; 
the  walls  are  covered  in  yellow  satin  and  hung  with  rich  draperies  of  the  same  color. 
Adorning  the  wall  is  a famous  allegorical  painting  by  Pedro  Americo,  entitled  “Paz  e Con- 
cordia.” Bronze  busts  of  noted  statesmen  of  the  empire  and  the  republic  are  given  a place 
of  honor.  The  green  and  gold  salon  and  the  rose  salon,  where  the  Minister  receives 
his  guests,  and  where  many  important  conferences  take  place,  are  arranged  in  exquisite 
harmony  and  good  taste. 

A special  feature  of  the  Foreign  Office  is  its  library,  a magnificent  collection,  which  is 
installed  in  the  most  attractive  room  of  the  Palace  on  a broad  and  well  lighted  corridor 
overlooking  the  Palace  garden,  embowered  in  green  and  redolent  of  the  perfume  of  rare 
flowers.  During  the  festivities  attending  the  various  international  meetings  that  have  been 
held  in  Rio  during  the  Baron  de  Rio-Branco’s  administration  of  Foreign  Affairs,  the  Itamaraty 
Palace  has  been  the  scene  of  princely  hospitality.  Receptions,  dinners,  banquets  and 
balls  were  given  to  the  delegates  of  the  Pan-American  Congress,  to  the  members  of  the 
International  Scientific  Conference,  to  Secretary  Root  and  his  party,  and  to  the  distinguished 


GREEN  AND  GOLD  SALON,  ITAMARATY  PALACE. 


ex-President  of  Argentina,  General  Julio  Roca,  who  was  entertained  with  sumptuous  liber- 
ality during  his  last  visit  to  Rio  in  1907.  The  baron  is  an  affable  and  thoughtful  host,  and 


120 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


dispenses  the  honors  of  his  house  with  the  same  tact  and  consideration  that  have  proved 
an  open  sesame  in  the  case  of  so  many  diplomatic  problems  in  the  Foreign  Office. 

The  finance  minister  of 
the  present  administration,  Dr. 
David  Campista,  is  a thorough 
exponent  of  the  prevailing 
sentiment  of  President  Penna’s 
Cabinet  in  favor  of  strenuous 
effort,  and  his  remarkable  rec- 
ord as  jurist,  financier,  author, 
and  statesman,  shows  that  he 
has  few  idle  moments  in  his 
useful  life.  He  has  always 
been  a patriotic  republican, 
and  his  strong  initiative  was 
shown  at  the  very  beginning 
of  his  political  career,  when  at 
twenty-four  years  of  age,  he 
organized  a large  republican 
party  of  which  he  was  elected  chief.  This  was  in  Ouro  Preto,  in  1887,  and  two  years  later 
he  was  unanimously  elected  deputy  to  the  Provincial  Assembly  of  Minas.  After  the  procla- 
mation of  the  republic  he  went  as  deputy  to  the  Constitutional  Assembly,  in  which  he  was 
the  leader  of  the  radical  group,  and  proved  himself  a power  in  debate  by  his  forcible  logic 
and  eloquence.  His  exceptional  administrative  ability  was  discovered  by  President  Penna 
fifteen  years  ago,  when  the  present  chief  executive  was  president  of  the  State  of  Minas,  and 
Dr.  Campista  was  his  secretary  of  Agriculture,  Commerce,  and  Public  Works.  Under  the 
succeeding  government,  the  minister  was  sent  to  Europe  on  a special  mission  from  his  State, 
in  the  interest  of  colonization,  financial  negotiations,  and  other  state  matters,  and  by  the 
successful  result  of  this  mission,  he  proved  his  eminent  ability  as  a financier,  introducing 
fifty  thousand  immigrants  at  about  half  the  expense  that  Brazil  had  always  paid  before. 
In  1898,  Dr.  Campista  became  Minister  of  Finance  in  the  government  of  Minas,  and  during 
the  four  years  that  he  occupied  this  post  he  contributed  two  important  works  to  the 
literature  of  finance.  While  a deputy  to  the  national  legislature  during  the  past  three  years, 
he  made  himself  famous  by  his  successful  campaign  in  defence  of  a plan  for  the  valorisation 
of  coffee  and  the  fixing  of  the  exchange.  With  the  varied  knowledge  acquired  in  economic 
and  financial  affairs,  and  the  success  achieved  in  every  branch  of  the  public  service  to 
which  his  attention  has  been  directed,  the  present  Minister  of  Finance  is  particularly  well 
equipped  for  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  his  high  office. 

The  Caixa  de  Amortizagao,  or  treasury  building,  in  which  are  the  offices  of  the  Finance 
Minister,  is  an  imposing  edifice  of  granite  and  marble,  occupying  a square  on  the  new 


ti 


ITAMARATY  PALACE,  THE  FOREIGN  OFFICE. 


THE  PRESIDENT'S  CABINET 


CORRIDOR  LEADING  TO  THE  LIBRARY,  ITAMARATY  PALACE, 


Avenida  Central.  It  is  one  of  the  handsomest  public  buildings  of  the  capital  and  is  con- 
spicuous in  the  long  line  of  magnificent  new  buildings  which  make  the  Avenida  unique 
as  a modern,  metropolitan  thorough- 
fare. As  the  Department  of  Finance 
supervises  all  institutions  connected 
with  the  income  and  expenditures  of 
the  government,  its  money  and  the 
public  debt,  the  Caixa  de  Amortizagao 
is  the  headquarters  of  various  offices 
dependent  on  this  branch  of  the  public 
service.  As  its  name  implies,  the  Caixa 
de  Amortizagao  has  charge  of  the 
sinking  fund  for  the  redemption  of 
the  government’s  notes,  and  it  is  here 
that  the  conversion  of  the  paper 
money  is  made.  The  constant  with- 
drawal of  paper  money  from  circulation  has  been  the  chief  cause  of  the  steady  rise  in 
exchange,  which  in  1898  was  as  low  as  6 d.  and  is  now  over  \^d.  The  paper  money 

in  circulation  is  748,708,871  milreis,  a reduction 
of  196,179,283  milreis  having  been  made  in  less 
than  six  years.  According  to  Minister  Campista’s 
latest  report,  the  public  credit  is  better  than  ever 
before,  the  financial  statistics  showing  that  Brazil 
is  amply  provided  to  meet  all  her  obligations. 

The  President’s  Cabinet  is  an  evidence  that 
the  spirit  of  practical  patriotism  is  strong  among 
the  younger  generation  of  Brazilians,  the  Vice- 
President  and  three  of  the  ministers  being  under 
thirty-five,  though  possessing  wide  experience 
in  affairs  of  State.  Dr.  Tavares  de  Lyra,  the 
Minister  of  Interior  and  Justice,  is  a native  of 
the  little  city  of  Macahyba,  State  of  Rio  Grande 
do  Norte.  Elected  a Federal  deputy  at  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  he  continued  to  represent  his 
State  in  the  National  Chamber  until  he  was 
elected  Governor  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  in 
1904,  which  office  he  held  when  appointed 
Minister  of  the  Interior  and  Justice  in  President 
Penna’s  Cabinet.  The  influences  that  led  to  Dr.  Tavares  de  Lyra’s  appointment  to  a post 
of  such  great  responsibility,  are  to  be  traced  in  the  exceptional  record  of  his  services  to  his 


DR.  TAVARES  DE  LYRA. 
MINISTER  OF  JUSTICE  AND  INTERIOR. 


I 22 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


country  while  a Deputy  of  the  Federal  Chamber,  when  as  Secretary  of  the  House,  and  as  a 
member  of  the  most  important  commissions,  he  became  noted  through  his  valuable  con- 
tributions to  judicial  affairs,  especially  by  his  collaboration  in  the  project  of  the  Civil  Code, 
and  his  profound  and  patient  study  of  all  matters  relating  to  law  and  justice.  His  adminis- 
tration as  governor  proved  him  to  be  not  only  a ruler  of  unlimited  resource  and  initiative, 
but  a conscientious  and  devoted  patriot. 

The  Department  of  Interior  and  Justice  supervises  the  national  interests  as  related  to 
public  order  and  tranquillity,  directing  the  judicial  institutions  of  the  government;  under  its 
jurisdiction  are  maintained  the  various  establishments  for  the  promotion  of  public  health 
and  comfort.  The  reports  to  this  department  from  the  Director-General  of  Public  Health, 
Dr.  Oswaldo  Cruz,  show  that  wonderful  results  have  been  obtained  through  the  sanitation 

of  the  Federal  capital  and  the 
extinction  of  yellow  fever  and 
other  diseases.  The  hygiene 
of  private  dwellings  is  being 
improved,  and  the  question  of 
proper  ventilation  more  thor- 
oughly studied.  The  schools 
of  correction,  the  correctional 
colony,  insane  asylums,  and 
similar  institutions  are  gov- 
erned through  this  department. 

The  youngest  Minister  of 
the  Cabinet,  Dr.  Miguel  Calmon 
du  Pin  e Almeida  holds  the  port- 
folio of  Industry,  Transporta- 
tion, and  Public  Works,  one  of 
the  most  important  offices  of  the 
government.  It  comprises  so  many  features,  that  the  multiplicity  of  duties  connected  with 
it  has  led  more  than  once  in  previous  administrations  to  a solicitation  for  the  creation  of  a 
new  department.  Yet  Dr.  Calmon  has  already  proved  himself  such  a capable  and  indefatig- 
able statesman,  that  the  general  sentiment  is  one  of  supreme  confidence  in  the  wisdom  of 
President  Penna’s  choice.  Dr.  Calmon,  who  was  born  in  Bahia  in  September,  1879,  is  a son 
of  Rear-Admiral  Calmon,  and  a descendant  of  the  great  Marquis  de  Abrantes,  who  in  1827, 
at  the  same  age,  and  bearing  the  same  name  as  the  present  Minister,  was  Minister  of  Finance 
to  Dom  Pedro  I.  Although  only  twenty-eight  years  of  age,  Dr.  Calmon  has  had  nearly  six 
years  experience  in  an  administrative  capacity,  as  Secretary  of  Agriculture,  Transportation, 
Industry  and  Public  Works  in  the  cabinet  of  the  Governor  of  Bahia,  with  only  a short 
interval,  during  which  he  went  to  the  East  on  a special  mission,  visiting  Ceylon,  Java,  and 
Sumatra,  to  study  the  culture  of  coffee,  tobacco,  sugar,  and  rubber  in  those  countries.  During 


THE  PRESIDENT'S  CABINET 


123 


his  administration  in  Bahia,  Dr.  Calmon  reor- 
ganized the  whole  system  of  his  department, 
introducing  modern  plans  and  adopting  the  most 
advanced  measures  for  the  improvement  and 
development  of  the  material  wealth  and  pros- 
perity of  his  State.  He  created  an  agency  for 
industrial  and  commercial  propaganda,  appointed 
itinerant  teachers  of  practical  agriculture,  formed  a 
mineralogical  commission,  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Orville  A.  Derby,  an  expert  geologist,  for  the 
investigation  of  mining  properties  of  the  State; 
secured  legislation  in  favor  of  the  rubber  indus- 
try of  Bahia,  by  which  he  increased  the  rubber 
exports  from  fifty-two  tons  in  1901  to  one  thou- 
sand one  hundred  and  forty-two  tons  in  19013; 
and  in  addition  to  a number  of  measures  which 
he  introduced  for  the  increase  of  agricultural 
production  and  mineral  development,  he  amelio- 
rated and  extended  the  railway  system  of  the 


DR.  DAVID  CAMPISTA,  MINISTER  OF  FINANCE. 


DR.  MIGUEL  CALMON  DU  PIN  E ALMEIDA,  MINISTER  OF 
INDUSTRY,  TRANSPORTATION,  AND  PUBLIC  WORKS. 


State,  and  accomplished  a multitude  of  minor 
improvements.  His  especial  attention  has 
recently  been  given  to  the  question  of  mining 
laws,  and  in  his  official  report  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  State  of  Bahia  in  1903,  he  con- 
tributed a valuable  work  on  the  subject, 
showing  the  result  of  a methodical  study  of 
the  mining  legislation  of  Brazil,  and  a careful 
examination  of  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
necessary  reform,  with  the  means  by  which 
they  may  be  overcome.  In  his  present 
administration  Dr.  Calmon  has  created  a 
Geological  Survey  Department,  under  the 
direction  of  Dr.  Orville  A.  Derby  for  the 
especial  study  of  the  mineralogy  of  Brazil. 
Besides  the  enormous  amount  of  work  which 
he  has  been  able  to  accomplish  in  an  admin- 
istrative capacity,  the  young  statesman  has 
contributed  articles  to  the  press  of  Bahia,  Rio, 
and  Paris  on  his  favorite  subjects  and  has 
published  more  than  thirty  pamphlets  within 


124 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


the  past  three  years,  treating  of  mining,  agriculture,  and  railways.  With  such  a record  for 
efficient  and  faithful  service  to  his  government,  the  Minister  of  Industry,  Transportation, 
and  Public  Works  assumes  the  important  duties  which  the  interests  of  the  nation  demand, 
giving  his  best  talents  to  the  economic  problems  of  the  country,  as  far  as  they  are  related  to 
this  department.  The  extension  of  railways,  which  is  a part  of  the  programme  of  President 
Penna’s  government,  is  being  promoted  in  every  State  of  the  union,  the  present  railway  systems 
covering  an  extent  of  fifteen  thousand  miles.  The  improvement  of  the  port  of  Bahia  is  in 
progress  and  work  has  been  started  for  the  removal  of  the  sand  bar  at  the  port  of  Rio  Grande 
do  Sul,  as  well  as  for  the  construction  of  a port  at  Massiambu,  in  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina. 
The  telegraph  and  postal  service,  which  was  greatly  improved  under  the  last  administration  is 


INTERIOR  OF  THE  LIBRARY,  1TAMARATY  PALACE. 


being  made  still  more  efficient  and  general;  and  the  important  problem  of  immigration  is  being 
solved  in  the  most  practical  and  satisfactory  manner,  through  the  efforts  of  this  department. 

The  appointment  of  Marshal  Plermes  da  Fonseca  to  the  Cabinet  of  President  Penna,  as 
Minister  of  War,  was  greeted  with  enthusiasm  by  the  people  of  Brazil,  who  have  great  admir- 
ation for  the  noble  soldier,  and  confidence  in  his  ability  to  add  lustre  to  the  military  prestige 
of  Brazil  by  his  administration.  His  record  as  an  officer  of  the  empire,  and  later,  of  the 
republic,  shows  him  to  have  had  the  advantage  of  a wide  experience,  gained  not  only 
through  military  training,  but  also  by  means  of  that  intuitive  insight  which  characterizes 
successful  leaders  of  men  in  every  branch  of  public  life.  Marshal  Hermes  da  Fonseca  was 
born  in  18^  and  began  his  military  training  at  sixteen.  Five  years  later  he  was  appointed 
second  lieutenant  of  artillery,  and  his  promotion  followed  rapidly  to  first  lieutenant,  captain, 


THE  PRESIDENT'S  CABINET 


129 


MARSHAL  HERMES  DA  FONSECA,  MINISTER  OF  WAR. 


major,  lieutenant-colonel,  brigadier-general, 
major-general,  and  marshal  of  Brazil,  the  last 
honor  being  conferred  upon  him  on  the  6th 
of  November,  1906.  He  is  a high  authority  on 
military  education  and  has  no  superior  in 
technical  knowledge  and  executive  ability, 
while  his  zealous  patriotism  and  the  high 
principles  which  govern  his  actions  make 
him  worthy  of  the  emulation  of  the  military 
youth  of  Brazil. 

The  active  military  force  of  the  country 
is  regulated  by  the  legislature  every  year.  At 
present  the  total  land  forces,  including  the 
Federal  troops  and  the  police  force  under 
military  organization  is  about  fifty  thousand 
men.  This  does  not  include  volunteer  organi- 
zations or  civilian  guards  and  semi-military 
companies  maintained  in  the  different  States. 

Military  service  is  not  compulsory  in  Brazil, 
and  vacancies  are  filled  by  volunteers,  as  in 
the  United  States  of  America.  A volunteer  cannot  enlist  for  less  than  three  years,  though  he 

may  re-enlist  at  the  end  of  that  period,  always  for  a 
three-years’  term.  Although  the  organized  army 
lacks  reserves,  yet  the  military  police  of  the  dif- 
ferent States  practically  constitutes  such  a force. 
Under  the  supervision  of  the  Minister  of  War,  the 
military  government  is  divided  into  seven  districts 
with  headquarters  in  the  principal  cities  and  under 
the  command  of  generals  of  the  army.  All  the 
technical  establishments,  the  military  colleges,  army 
hospitals,  and  a new  military  sanatorium  now  in 
construction,  as  well  as  the  army  library  and  similar 
institutions,  are  maintained  out  of  the  budget  of  the 
War  Department. 

The  Minister  of  Marine,  Rear-Admiral  Alexan- 
drino  Faria  de  Alencar,  is  a son  of  the  “Military 
State”  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  which  has  given  to 
Brazil  great  heroes  both  of  the  army  and  navy,  at 
all  periods  of  its  history.  His  naval  education 
began  at  sixteen  when  he  entered  the  naval  school 


ADMIRAL  ALEXANDRINO  DE  ALENCAR, 
MINISTER  OF  MARINE. 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


1 26 

as  a cadet,  in  1865c  From  his  graduation  three  years  later  to  his  appointment  to  his  present 
post  of  Minister  of  Marine,  Admiral  Alencar  has  served  his  country  in  every  branch  of  the 
naval  service,  receiving  the  rank  of  rear-admiral  in  1902.  His  technical  training  and  his 
knowledge  of  naval  tactics,  as  well  as  his  administrative  ability,  are  of  recognized  superiority. 

In  accordance  with  the  decision  of  the  previous  government,  the  naval  power  of  Brazil 
has  been  augmented  by  the  purchase  of  three  ironclad  battle  ships  of  thirteen  thousand 
tons;  three  cruisers  of  nine  thousand  seven  hundred  tons;  six  torpedo  destroyers  of  four 
hundred  tons;  twelve  torpedo  gunboats,  three  submarine  boats,  a naval  transport  with 
capacity  for  six  thousand  tons  of  coal;  a school  ship  with  displacement  not  exceeding  three 
thousand  tons.  A new  marine  arsenal  is  under  construction.  The  present  naval  force  of 
Brazil  consists  of  a fleet  of  fifty-four  ships,  large  and  small,  classified  as  seven  battle  ships, 
eight  cruisers,  three  torpedo  destroyers,  nine  torpedo  boats,  five  gunboats,  eight  dispatch  boats, 
three  steamers,  three  tugboats,  auxiliary  steamers,  a yacht,  two  brigs,  and  three  pataches. 

The  officers  of  the  navy  include:  One  admiral,  two  vice-admirals,  ten  rear-admirals, 

twenty  captains,  forty  commanders,  eighty  lieutenant-commanders,  one  hundred  and  sixty 
first  lieutenants,  one  hundred  and  fifty  second  lieutenants,  and  four  hundred  and  sixty-three 
commissioned  officers.  Besides  these,  there  are  one  hundred  and  twenty  ensigns,  one  thou- 
sand five  hundred  naval  apprentices,  and  two  thousand  five  hundred  naval  workmen. 
In  nearly  every  seaport  there  is  an  apprentice  sailor  school,  a strictly  Brazilian  institution 
of  great  utility,  partly  civic  and  partly  military  in  purpose. 

Although  hardly  a year  has  passed  since  the  present  administration  began  its  work, 
notable  progress  has  been  made  in  every  department  of  the  government,  in  accordance  with 
the  aspiration  of  the  President,  who  has  the  earnest  and  faithful  cooperation  of  every  member 
of  his  Cabinet. 


THE  ROSE  SALON.  I T AM AR AT V PALACE. 


THE  AVENIDA  BEIRA-M AR,  A SIX-MILE  BOULEVARD  ALONG  THE  BAY,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


CHAPTER  VII 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 

AS  if  in  obedience  to  the  wand  of  enchant- 
ment,  a new  Rio  has  risen  out  of  the  heart 
of  the  quaint  old-fashioned  city  which  visitors 
to  Brazil  knew  less  than  half  a dozen  years 
ago.  To-day  the  Brazilian  metropolis  is  modern, 
picturesque,  and  altogether  the  most  surprising 
capital  of  the  world.  In  an  incredibly  short  time, 
it  has  been  transformed  from  a labyrinth  of 
narrow  streets  and  congested  alleys  into  a hand- 
some city  of  broad  boulevards  and  beautifully 
shaded  avenues,  paved  with  asphalt  and  lighted 
by  a system  of  electricity  as  modern  as  that  of 
New  York  or  Paris.  The  evidence  of  western 
energy  and  enterprise  is  everywhere  manifested 
in  the  bustle  of  traffic,  the  rapid  transit  of  elec- 
tric cars,  the  “ foil-foil ” of  hundreds  of  auto- 
mobiles, and  the  general  atmosphere  of  progress 
and  prosperity  which  pervades  the  new-made 
metropolis. 

In  the  history  of  Rio  there  have  been  many  changes,  and  life  has  varied  its  aspects,  to 
accord  with  the  successive  conditions  of  a city  which  has  been,  within  the  short  space  of  a 
century,  the  capital  of  a province,  a kingdom,  an  empire,  and  a republic;  but  no  previous 
change  has  so  completely  and  vitally  affected  its  destiny  as  the  recent  metamorphosis. 
Formerly,  when  visiting  Rio,  enjoying  its  many  charming  and  beautiful  scenes,  and  the 
romantic  interest  of  its  curious  old  streets,  the  imagination  involuntarily  turned  to  the  past; 
one  lived  in  the  past,  and  could  not  get  away  from  mental  pictures  of  bygone  days  constantly 

suggested  by  the  old-fashioned  architecture  and  the  antiquated  streets.  Now,  everything 

129 


DR.  FRANCISCO  PEREIRA  PASSOS. 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


O0 

speaks  the  language  of  activity  and  energy,  and  the  contemplation  of  the  broad  avenues 
and  towering  buildings  makes  one  think  rather  of  what  is  to  be,  than  of  what  has  been. 


MONROE  PALACE,  WHERE  THE  PAN-AMERICAN  CONGRESS  WAS  HELD,  RIO. 


The  same  influence  has  made  itself  felt  in  the  people  themselves.  The  enthusiasm, 
hopefulness,  and  expression  of  purpose  and  enterprise  in  the  attitude  and  movements 
of  the  “Fluminense”  to-day  indicate  that  he  is  looking  forward,  and  that  he  sees  greater 
glory  and  prestige  for  his  beloved  capital  in  the  future  than  he  had  dreamed  of  in  the 
old  days. 

Rio  de  Janeiro,  a city  of  nearly  a million  inhabitants,  is  a capital  worthy  of  the  largest 
and  richest  country  of  South  America.  It  is  a metropolis  framed  in  such  ideal  environs  as 
to  entitle  it  to  be  classed  with  the  world’s  most  fashionable  resorts  for  health  and  pleasure. 
When  the  visitor,  on  arriving  in  port,  leaves  his  steamer  at  the  dock,  he  finds  himself 
facing  the  magnificent  Avenida  Central,  a stately  thoroughfare  more  than  a mile  long, 
beautified  by  shade  trees,  while,  overlooking  it  on  each  side,  are  great  buildings  of  solid 
construction  and  modern  architecture,  giving  it  the  metropolitan  appearance  characteristic 
of  leading  thoroughfares  in  the  largest  cities  of  the  world.  That  such  a splendid  exam- 
ple of  national  enterprise  could  be  the  result  of  eighteen  months’  work  seems  absolutely 
incredible.  And  each  of  the  handsome  edifices,  some  of  them  covering  an  entire  square, 
which  form  a solid  front  from  the  beginning  of  the  Avenida  Central  to  its  junction  with 
the  Avenida  Beira-Mar,  represents  the  expenditure  of  from  half  a million  to  five  million 
dollars  gold.  The  new  municipal  theatre  with  a capacity  for  twenty  thousand  persons,  is 
equal  in  spacious  dimensions  and  splendid  appearance  to  the  Paris  Opera  House;  the 
Archbishop’s  Palace  and  the  new  national  library  are  magnificent  and  stately  structures; 
the  latter,  built  under  the  direction  and  according  to  the  plans  of  the  present  prefect  of  Rio, 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


G1 

General  F.  M.  Souza  Aguiar,  is  one  the  finest  public  buildings  in  America.  The  Caixa 
de  Amortizagao,  or  Treasury  Building,  commands  especial  attention  by  its  imposing  pro- 
portions and  attractive  style  of  architecture.  Many  lofty  office  buildings  are  eloquent 
in  attesting  the  general  business  prosperity,  notably  those  of  the  leading  daily  news- 
papers, represented  by  the  Joriial  do  Commercio,  which  occupies  an  immense  seven-story 
building  with  a tower;  the  Joriial  do  Brazil,  O Pai{,  and  others.  A variety  of  architecture 
prevents  an  appearance  of  monotony  in  the  famous  street,  and  distinguishes  it  in  this 
respect  from  the  usual  business  thoroughfare.  The  offices  of  the  Santos  Dock  Company 
have  massive  doors  of  carved  wood  which  suggest  the  entrance  to  a repository  of  classic 
lore  rather  than  to  a commercial  establishment.  Here  also  are  located  the  Engineers’  Club, 
the  Naval  Club,  and  the  Commercial  Museum. 

The  most  conspicuous  of  the  new  buildings  on  the  Avenida  Central  is  the  Monroe  Palace, 
where  the  sessions  of  the  Pan-American  Congress  were  held  in  1906.  It  is  a reproduction 
of  the  Brazilian  building  at  the  St.  Louis  Exposition : the  artistic  design  attracts  universal 
admiration,  and  reflects  great  credit  on  the  distinguished  architect,  General  Souza  Aguiar. 


The  name  it  hears  is  significant  of  the  friendly  relations  which  exist  between  Brazil  and 
the  United  States.  The  Monroe  Palace  stands  near  the  junction  of  the  Avenida  Central 


132 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


BARON  DE  RIO-BR ANCO,  OPENING  THE  THIRD  PAN-AMERICAN  CONGRESS  AT  RIO,  JUNE  27.  1906. 

and  the  Avenida  Beira-Mar,  the  angle  of  which  is  marked  by  a granite  obelisk  bearing  the 
following  commemorative  inscription: 

“Sendo  Presidents  da  Republica 
S.  Exca  0 Snr 

DON  FRANCISCO  DE  PAULA  RODRIGUES  ALVES, 

Ministro  da  Industria,  Viagao  e Obras  Publicas, 

O Exmo  Snr 

Dr.  LAURO  SEVERIANO  MULLER, 

Foi  decretada,  construida  e inaugurada 
A 

Avenida  Central, 

Executando  os  trabalhos 
A 

Commissao  Constructora 
Tendo  como  Engenheiro  Chefe 
O Dr.  ANDRE  GUSTAVO  PAULO  DE  FRONT1N. 

XV  Novembro  MCI  1.  XV  Novembro  MCVI.” 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


<33 


On  the  remaining  three  sides  of  the  column  are  inscriptions  commemorating  the  decree, 
September  18,  1903;  the  initiation  of  the  work,  March  8,  1904;  and  the  inauguration  of  the 
completed  Avenida  Central,  November  15,  190^. 

When  Mr.  Root  visited  Rio  he  was  charmed  by  its  beautiful  scenery  and  the  hospitable 
spirit  of  its  citizens,  who  greeted  him  with  the  most  cordial  demonstrations.  The  welcome  he 
received  on  disembarking,  and  the  vivas  which  were  heard  on  all  sides,  while  he  was  being 
escorted  by  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  the  Brazilian  Foreign  Minister,  to  the  Palacete  Abrantes, — 
which  was  placed  at  his  disposal  during  his  stay  in  Brazil, — won  the  heart  of  the  American 
statesman,  who  acknowledged,  with  smiling  salutations,  the  evidences  of  geniality  and  good 
will.  The  Brazilian  people  entertained  Mr.  Root  with  magnificent  hospitality,  the  Federal 
capital  being  the  scene  of  brilliant  and  continuous  festivities  in  his  honor. 

In  the  transformation  of  the  capital,  the  construction  of  the  Avenida  Central  was  only 
one  feature  of  a vast  system  of  improvements  due  to  the  genius  of  the  former  prefect, 
Dr.  Pereira  Passos,  who  accomplished  wonderful  reforms.  The  municipality  of  Rio,  under 
his  administration,  built  the  splendid  boulevard  of  Beira-Mar,  which,  beginning  at  the  Lapa 
terminus  of  the  Avenida  Central,  curves  around  the  shore  of  the  bay,  along  the  Praia  da 
Lapa,  by  the  newly  formed  Praia  do  Russell,  where  part  of  the  hill  of  the  Gloria  was  cut 
away  to  afford  space  for  the  great  driveway,  and,  passing  the  picturesque  Praia  do  Flamengo, 
sweeps  gracefully  around  the  horseshoe  curve  of  Botafogo  to  the  furthest  limit  of  that  beauti- 
ful suburb.  It  is  not  an  exaggeration  to  say  that  Avenida  Beira-Mar  is  unsurpassed  in 
picturesque  beauty  and  variety  by  any  driveway  of  equal  length  in  the  world.  It  is  an  ideal 
promenade  in  an  automobile,  and  one  can  make  the  complete  circuit  of  the  city  in  a four 


A GLIMPSE  OF  AVENIDA  BEIRA-MAR  FROM  THE  PRAIA  DA  LAPA. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


G4 

hours’  spin  at  a fair  rate  of  speed.  And  what  a charming  passeio!  Six  miles  along  the 
Beira-Mar  esplanade,  and  then  through  the  enchanting  ravine  that  leads  to  the  Gavea,  across 


THE  NEW  AVENIDA  CENTRAL,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


the  hills  to  Tijuca,  always  on  a good  road,  enjoying  in  a few  short  hours  the  varying  aspects 
of  the  sheltered  bay,  with  its  islands  and  ships  at  anchor,  the  Atlantic  in  broad  expanse,  the 
bracing  hills  with  their  wealth  of  varying  landscapes,  and  the  thousand  tints  of  sea  and  sky 
reflected  in  their  horizon. 

When  the  ex- President  of  Argentina,  General  Julio  Roca,  visited  Rio  in  1907,  he 
was  entertained  with  sumptuous  hospitality,  among  the  fiestas  arranged  in  his  honor 
being  a Venetian  regatta  in  the  bay  of  Botafogo.  It  was  a superb  spectacle.  The  Avenida 
Beira-Mar  was  illuminated  throughout  the  whole  length,  and  the  Praia  do  Botafogo  was  a 
fairyland  of  light  and  color.  The  fiesta  opened  with  a magnificent  display  of  fireworks 
in  imitation  of  a volcano  in  eruption;  the  regatta  followed,  a procession  of  hundreds  of 
launches,  yachts,  and  small  boats  in  the  bay,  so  fancifully  decorated  and  illuminated  as  to 
produce  an  effect  at  once  weird  and  enchanting.  In  the  spectators’  pavilion,  the  beauty  and 
fashion  of  Rio  were  assembled.  From  the  distance  was  wafted  on  the  clear  night  air  the 
music  of  mandolins  and  guitars,  mingling  with  songs  and  choruses.  At  intervals,  bands 
of  music  played  on  board  the  hire  as  and  launches,  nine  military  bands  taking  part  in  the 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


G5" 

programme.  Seldom,  if  ever,  has  a more  picturesque  display  been  witnessed  than  the 
Festa  Teneqiana  in  Botafogo,  where  the  natural  romance  of  the  surroundings  lent  poetry 
to  a marvellously  effective  scene. 

Dr.  Passos  continued  with  indefatigable  zeal  and  energy,  the  improvement  of  the 
capital,  begun  in  the  Avenida  Central  and  in  the  extension  of  Beira-Mar.  A dozen  or  more 
streets  were  widened  and  built  up  in  accordance  with  the  plans  of  the  government,  and  the 
magnificent  Avenida  de  Mangue  was  added  to  the  many  beautiful  promenades  of  the  city. 
The  organization  of  a sanitary  corps,  the  modernizing  of  the  drainage  system,  and  efficient 
cooperation  in  all  the  Federal  government’s  plans  for  the  perfection  of  the  hygiene  and  com- 
fort of  the  city  were  evidence  of  his  zeal  and  activity  in  behalf  of  progress.  In  accordance 
with  the  plans  of  the  former  Minister  of  Interior,  Dr.  Gaspar,  a hospital  was  founded  for  the 
treatment  of  tuberculosis,  which  is  one  of  the  most  notable  sanitary  institutions  in  South 
America.  An  important  factor  in  the  establishment  of  this  hospital  was  the  unremitting 
labor  and  devotion  of  the  Anti-Tuberculosis  Leagues  of  Rio,  Sao  Paulo,  Bahia,  Pernambuco, 
and  other  cities,  organized  for  the  noble  purpose  of  combating  this  terrible  scourge.  The 
League  of  Rio  is  composed  of 
leading  citizens,  and  its  work 
is  facilitated  by  a subsidy  from 
the  Federal  government  and 
another  from  the  municipality, 
secured  through  an  extra  tax  on 
alcoholic  drinks  and  tobacco. 

Its  efforts  are  directed  toward 
the  better  sanitation  and  ventila- 
tion of  the  homes  of  the  poor, 
and  to  a propaganda  of  hygienic 
education.  The  various  hospital 
associations  and  charities  are 
cooperating  with  the  league  in 
favor  of  health  and  comfort.  The 
Department  of  Public  Health, 
under  the  able  direction  of  Dr. 

Oswaldo  Cruz,  has  brought 
about  great  improvements  in 
the  hospitals  of  Sao  Sebas- 
tiao  and  Paula  Candido  and 
in  the  lazaretto  of  llha  Grande, 
which  are  provided  with  the 
most  modern  appliances  for  disinfection  and  sanitation.  The  Strangers’  Hospital,  chiefly 
supported  by  foreigners,  has  also  introduced  the  latest  hygienic  methods  in  its  management. 


i^6 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


The  Service  of  Hygiene  maintains  not  only  a disinfecting  establishment  in  Botafogo,  but  a 
small  fleet  of  about  a dozen  vessels  in  the  harbor,  each  equipped  with  Clayton  apparatus 

for  the  disinfection  of  vessels  that  arrive  from 
ports  of  contagion.  In  addition  to  the  complete 
eradication  of  yellow  fever,  the  scourge  of  small- 
pox has  been  effectively  combated  by  obligatory 
vaccination,  which  has  been  established  not  only 
in  Rio  but  throughout  the  republic.  The  illustrious 
president  of  the  National  Academy  of  Medicine, 
Dr.  A.  de  Azevedo  Sodre,  cooperating  with  the 
movement  toward  better  health  conditions,  has 
introduced  many  reforms  in  the  regime  of  that 
venerable  institution,  which  was  founded  seventy- 
eight  years  ago,  during  the  reign  of  Dorn  Pedro  1., 
and  is  one  of  the  best  equipped  establishments 
in  the  world.  The  asylums,  closely  related  to 
the  hospitals  in  their  beneficent  purpose,  have 
been  greatly  improved,  the  Insane  Asylum  of  Rio 
having  been  completely  reorganized  in  conformity 
with  the  needs  of  the  present  day.  In  addition  to 
the  public  institutions  of  this  kind,  there  are  about 
fifty  private  charitable  associations,  principally  working  in  connection  with  the  churches 
and  maintaining  religious  hospitals  and  asylums. 

The  largest  hospital  in  South  America,  Santa  Casa  da  Misericordia,  was  founded  by  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy  in  1^4^;  the  building  it  now  occupies  was  completed  in  1840,  having  been 
thirty  years  under  construction.  It  is  a beautiful  specimen  of  classic  architecture,  and  has 
a capacity  for  the  accommodation  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  patients.  Within  the  past 
five  years  it  has  been  completely  reorganized  and  remodelled  in  accordance  with  the  best 
modern  methods,  and  in  sanitation,  hygiene,  and  medical  treatment  it  ranks  to-day  among 
the  best  in  the  world.  The  sisterhood  has  in  charge  not  only  the  general  hospital  and  its 
annexes,  but  also  an  asylum  for  foundlings,  a convent  for  orphans,  a Pasteur  institute,  and 
a funeral  directorate.  A notable  feature  of  the  asylum  for  foundlings  is  the  revolving 
wheel,  in  which  a cradle  is  so  arranged,  that  when  an  infant  is  laid  in  it,  the  wheel  turns 
round,  carrying  the  little  stranger  inside,  where  it  is  sheltered  and  cared  for  until  old  enough 
to  go  out  to  service.  The  girls  enter  the  convent  of  Santa  Theresa,  where  they  are  educated. 
The  cradle  is  said  to  be  an  effective  preventative  of  infanticide.  As  social  conditions  advance 
and  education  progresses,  recourse  to  this  method  of  disposing  of  unwelcome  offspring 
becomes  rarer,  recent  years  showing  a marked  diminution  in  the  number  of  foundlings. 
Among  other  important  charities  maintained  by  private  enterprise  are  the  Real  e Benemerita 
Sociedade  Portugueza  de  Beneficencia,  and  the  Real  e Benemerita  Caixa  de  Soccorros 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


'17 


D.  Pedro  V.,  both  of  which  are,  as  the  title  indicates,  Portuguese  institutions.  The  Sociedade 
supports  an  excellent  hospital,  attended  by  a staff  of  able  specialists.  Numerous  other 
Portuguese  societies  for  the  relief  of  the  infirm  and  the  poor  exist  in  various  sections,  among 
them  the  Centro  Benemerito  D.  Amelia  Rainha  de  Portugal,  and  the  Congregagao  dos  Filhos 
do  Trabalho  D.  Carlos  1.  Rei  de  Portugal,  thus  showing  the  affection  which  the  subjects  of 
Portugal,  residing  in  Brazil,  feel  for  their  sovereigns. 

In  all  the  charitable  institutions  of  the  capital,  one  of  the  important  features  has  been 
the  effort  to  improve  social  conditions  through  education,  and  the  influence  of  this  purpose 
is  manifested  not  only  in  the  amelioration  of  the  unfortunate  poor,  but  in  a higher  standard 
of  instruction  among  all  classes.  The  practical  system  by  which,  from  the  first  day  of 
entering  school,  girls  are  taught  not  only  to  read  and  write  but  to  sew  and  to  become 
expert  in  housekeeping,  and  boys  are  trained  in  mechanical  practice,' owes  its  origin  to  the 
charitable  organizations  of  the  city.  In  this  method  of  instruction,  the  public  schools  of 
Brazil  are  far  ahead  of  those  of  the  United  States,  which  are  only  beginning  to  adopt  the 
system.  A comparison  between  the  statistics  of  1896  and  those  of  1906,  show  that 
the  average  attendance  at  the  primary  schools  has  more  than  doubled  within  that  time, 


CORCOVADO,  SEEN  FROM  AVENIDA  BEIRA-MAR,  IN  BOTAFOGO. 


the  last  report  giving  an  attendance  of  thirty-eight  thousand  pupils.  In  secondary,  and 
particularly  in  technical  instruction,  the  increased  attendance  also  shows  great  advancement. 


138 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  Polytechnic  School  of  Rio  is  one  of  the  best  educational  institutions  of  its  kind. 
Originally  this  school  was  connected  with  the  Military  Academy,  which  was  founded  during 


RUA  URUGUAYANA,  A RECENTLY  TRANSFORMED  THOROUGHFARE. 


the  reign  of  King  Dom  Joao  VI.,  on  the  site  of  the  present  Polytechnic  School  in  the 
Largo  do  Sao  Francisco.  In  1874  the  separation  of  the  military  courses  of  study  from  those 
of  the  natural  and  physical  sciences  led  to  the  removal  of  the  former  branch  of  instruction 
to  the  Praia  Vermelha,  where  the  Escola  de  Applicaflio  had  been  established  years  before. 
The  Military  Academy  was  then  reorganized,  its  buildings  enlarged,  and  the  curriculum 
extended.  The  present  buildings  are  large  and  well-equipped  with  gymnasium,  infirmaries, 
and  all  necessary  conveniences;  the  instruction  is  thorough  and  in  accordance  with  the 
most  modern  military  methods. 

When  the  Military  Academy  was  detached  from  the  institution  in  the  Largo  do  Sao  Fran- 
cisco, the  original  institution  was  reorganized  under  the  name  of  Escola  Polytechnica,  and 
devoted  to  the  higher  instruction  in  natural,  physical,  and  mathematical  science,  the  Viscount 
de  Rio-Branco  taking  charge  as  its  first  director.  A general  course,  and  special  courses  in 
physical  and  natural  science,  civil  engineering,  mines,  and  arts  and  manufactures,  cover 
the  subjects  now  treated  in  this  college.  The  course  in  civil  engineering  receives  particular 
attention,  and  its  graduates  are  prepared  to  take  their  place  among  leaders  of  the  profession 
anywhere  in  the  world.  Night  classes,  which  have  been  organized  in  nine  of  the  primary 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


1 39 

schools  and  in  the  technical  schools,  for  the  benefit  of  adults,  are  contributing  materially  to 
reduce  the  percentage  of  illiteracy.  The  blind  are  educated  in  the  Benjamin  Constant 
Institute,  and  there  is  also  an  Institute  for  Deaf  Mutes.  The  Normal  School  occupies  a 
handsome  and  spacious  building  facing  the  Praga  da  Republica,  and  ranks  among  the  best 
in  South  America.  The  new  Escola  Rodrigues  Alves,  next  to  the  President’s  Palace  in  the 
Cattete,  is  a beautiful  monument  to  the  great  Brazilian  for  whom  it  is  named. 

While  the  social  and  educational  advancement  of  Brazil  is  an  evidence  of  the  modern 
spirit  of  progress  which  to-day  more  than  ever  animates  its  people,  there  is  a prevailing 
determination  to  abolish  old  systems  which  hamper  the  development  of  the  city,  and  to 
introduce  modern  methods  in  every  branch  of  the  public  service.  New  enterprises  are  con- 
stantly being  inaugurated  by  public  and  private  initiative.  One  of  the  greatest  of  these, 
the  Rio  de  Janeiro  Tramway,  Light,  and  Power  Company,  incorporated  in  the  year  1904  in 
Canada,  with  a capital  of  fifty  million  dollars,  has  undertaken  to  develop  and  utilize,  for  the 
purpose  of  electricity,  the  water  power  which  is  so  abundant  in  the  neighborhood  of  Rio. 
Two  large  water  powers  have  been  acquired,  one  on  the  Parahyba  River,  eighty  miles  from 
Rio,  capable  of  producing  one  hundred  thousand  horse-power,  and  another  on  the  Pages 
River,  fifty  miles  from  the  capital,  where  forty  thousand  horse-power  is  being  developed, 


PRAIA  DA  GLORIA,  SHOWING  STATUE  OF  VISCOUNT  DE  RIO-BRANCO. 


which  can  be  increased  to  one  hundred  thousand  when  necessity  demands.  From  the 
Lages  River,  temporary  installation  is  supplied  for  the  present  electric  lighting  and  power  of 


140 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Rio.  This  whole  river  passes  through  a narrow  gate,  formed  by  massive  granite  rocks  only 
three  hundred  and  twenty  feet  wide,  and  this  aperture  has  been  dammed  up,  the  river  being 


MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  RIO. 


forced  into  a lake  fifteen  miles  long,  by  seven  and  a half  miles  wide,  which,  when  the  dam 
is  completed  will  have  an  impounding  capacity  of  two  hundred  and  twenty-two  million 
cubic  metres.  Lighting  and  power  distribution  in  the  city  was  inaugurated  by  the  company 
in  March,  1907.  Before  this  could  be  done,  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles  of  tunnels 
were  built,  through  which  the  power  and  lighting  wires  are  conducted.  Within  the  next 
three  years  the  Carris  Urbanos  and  the  Sao  Christovao  Street  Railways,  the  only  remaining 
horse-car  lines  of  the  city,  will  be  transformed  into  electric  systems,  as  well  equipped 
as  are  at  present  those  of  the  Jardim  Botanico  and  the  Carioca  electric  lines.  New  electric 
car  lines  are  also  being  added  to  the  railway  service  established  from  Rio  to  Tijuca  and 
Corcovado. 

In  view  of  the  transformation  already  effected,  and  the  improvements  being  made,  one 
involuntarily  wonders  whether  any  of  the  old  capital  with  its  traditions  will  remain.  There 
is  so  much  in  the  historic  city  that  it  would  be  vandalism  to  destroy.  The  leaders  of  reform 
recognized  this  fact  when  they  spared  the  Ouvidor,  that  charming  little  alley  which  has 
been  the  fashionable  thoroughfare  of  Rio  for  a century  or  more.  It  remains  to  form  a con- 
necting link  between  the  new  city,  with  its  modern  activity  and  energy,  and  the  old  capital, 
with  the  legacy  of  innumerable  historical  traditions.  It  is  still,  as  it  has  always  been,  a popular 


THE  NEVE  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


1 4i 

resort  for  idlers,  fashionable  shoppers,  club-men  and  politicians,  occupying  a conspicuous 
place  as  the  centre  of  gossip,  social,  political  and  even  commercial. 

The  passing  of  old  Carioca  marks  a more  than  ordinarily  interesting  epoch  in  the  city’s 
transformation.  The  “Fluminense”  of  the  old  school  looks  with  regret  upon  the  anni- 
hilation of  his  antiquated  treasures,  and  even  while  recognizing  the  importance  of  the 
reform,  finds  it  hard  to  forgive  innovations  which  take  the  life  and  spirit  out  of  some  of  his 
most  cherished  traditions.  “ Fluminense,”  the  name  applied  to  a native  of  Rio,  is  a survival 
of  an  error  made  by  the  earlier  discoverers,  who  thought  the  bay  of  Rio  was  a river,  and 
named  it  Rio  de  Janeiro,  “River  of  January;”  the  word  “Fluminense”  signifies  belonging  to 
a river.  “ Diario  Fluminense,”  and  “Collegio  Fluminense,”  are  instances  of  the  popular  use  of 
the  expression.  A “Carioca”  is  a native  of  Rio  born  within  a certain  radius  of  Carioca  Square 
and  the  fountain  which  supplies  the  famous  water  from  the  surrounding  hills;  and,  as  the 
origin  of  the  London  cockney’s  title  from  Bow  Bells  is  woven  about  with  interesting  stories, 
so  there  are  traditions  many  and  varied  relating  to  the  Carioca;  the  Indians  ascribed  mar- 
vellous powers  to  this  water,  and  attributed  to  it  the  gift  of  poetry  and  oratory,  with  which 
it  inspired  those  who  drank  of  it,  just  as  the  “Castalian  fount”  of  the  Greek  supplied  the 
divine  gifts  of  the  Muses.  The  “Carioca” 
of  to-day,  the  representative  of  a nation  of 
orators,  exemplifies  the  appropriateness  of 
this  tradition. 

The  Brazilian  loves  his  Rio  for  its  asso- 
ciations and  traditions.  To  him,  every  foot 
of  ground  tells  a story  of  hard-fought  battles 
in  the  cause  of  freedom  and  victories  won 
often  against  terrible  opposition.  He  loves 
the  parks  and  plazas  because  they  com- 
memorate glorious  events  in  the  annals  of 
his  country;  he  points  with  pride  to  the 
monuments  that  immortalize  the  bravery  of 
the  nation’s  heroes;  every  street  and  alley 
is  dear  to  him,  recalling  by  its  name  or  asso- 
ciations some  decisive  struggle  in  the  cause 
of  liberty;  even  the  majestic  encircling  hills 
and  the  sun-kissed  islands  of  the  bay  appeal 
to  him  rather  for  the  memory  of  heroic  deeds 
wrought  in  their  midst  and  of  great  men 
they  have  sheltered  than  for  their  far-famed 
beauty:  Sao  Christovao,  Santa  Theresa,  Tijuca, 
are  names  of  deeper  significance  for  the  historical  incidents  that  belong  to  them  than 
for  their  picturesqueness;  Paqueta  claims  more  honor  as  the  last  residence  of  the  “Father 


GENERAL  F.  M.  DE  SOUZA  AGUIAR,  PREFECT  OF  RIO. 


142 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


of  Brazilian  independence”  than  as  the  most  beautiful  island  in  the  finest  harbor  of  the 
world.  Every  feature  of  the  old  city  bears  the  impress  of  epoch-making;  in  passing  along 

its  streets,  visiting  the  places  of  interest,  and 
listening  to  its  history,  one  is  reading  the 
heart  of  the  nation.  For  nearly  two  centuries, 
as  the  chief  seat  of  government,  it  has  been 
the  central  scene  in  all  the  great  political 
struggles,  pulsating  with  excitement  in  every 
crisis,  gay  and  brilliant  with  the  rejoicings 
of  every  victory,  vitally  identified  with  the 
national  life  in  all  the  changes  through  which 
the  country  has  passed.  It  still  shows  sur- 
viving features  of  the  colonial  days,  when 
neither  vast  wealth  nor  great  leisure  permitted 
luxurious  living,  though  much  was  accom- 
plished of  an  important  and  lasting  character;  among  other  things,  the  construction  of  the 
famous  Carioca  aqueduct,  a monument  of  architectural  grandeur,  which  is  as  solid  to-day  as 
when  first  built,  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago;  the  Sao  Sebastiao  church,  built  in  1767,  in 
honor  of  the  city’s  patron  saint,  now  the  oldest  church  in  Brazil,  within  whose  walls  rest 
the  ashes  of  the  city’s  founder,  Estacio  de  Sa;  and  the  church  of  Candelaria,  built  in  1600, 
rebuilt  in  1777,  ar>d  completely  remodelled  at  the  close  of  the  last  [nineteenth]  century,  a 
magnificent  edifice  to-day.  Evidences  still  exist  of  the  transformation  that  followed  the 
arrival  of  the  royal  court,  the  elevation  of  an  insignificant  province  to  a powerful  kingdom, 
and  the  change  from  a provincial  capital  to  the  chief  seat  of  royalty,  with  all  the  pomp, 
splendor,  and  gayety  attending  the  presence  of  a rich  and  extravagant  court;  many  of  the 
city’s  finest  institutions,  theatres,  churches,  schools,  and  parks,  date  from  this  period,  to 
which  belongs  the  origin  of  the  National  Museum,  the  National  Library,  the  Military  Academy, 
the  celebrated  Botanical  Gardens;  the  Church  of  Sacramento,  for  which,  as  the  story  goes, 
part  of  the  necessary  funds  were  secured  by  King  Joao’s  chief  cook,  who  offered  delicious 
stews  in  return  for  donations;  the  old  theatre,  which  was  burned  as  a judgment  upon  the 
builder,  who  stole  the  stones  intended  for  the  construction  of  a cathedral ; also  a number  of 
hospitals,  asylums,  and  other  charities.  The  dramatic  incidents  connected  with  the  establish- 
ment of  the  empire  are  perpetuated  in  the  street  names  of  “Ypiranga,”  ‘‘Sete  de  Setembro,” 
and  the  “Praga  d’Acclamagao”  [recently  changed  to  Praga  da  Republica],  respectively  com- 
memorating the  place  where  the  independence  of  Brazil  had  its  birth,  the  date  of  that  event, 
and  the  formal  acclamation  of  Dorn  Pedro  I.  as  emperor;  an  equestrian  statue  of  Dorn  Pedro 
in  the  Praga  Constituigao  [now  Praga  Tiradentes]  represents  him  in  the  act  of  shouting  the 
watchword  “ Independence  011  Morte!”  after  having  read  the  arbitrary  message  of  the 
Cortes  at  Lisbon.  The  statue  of  the  great  liberator,  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada,  in  the  Praga 
Sao  Francisco  de  Paula,  also  recalls  that  eventful  period.  The  Conservatory  of  Music,  the 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


*43 


Astronomical  Observatory,  the  Naval  Academy,  and  many  colleges  were  established  during 
the  time  of  the  second  emperor,  though  all  these  institutions  have  been  reorganized  and 
improved  within  recent  years.  The  hand- 
some monument  to  the  Duke  de  Caxias, 
which  adorns  the  public  garden  named  in 
honor  of  that  hero,  commemorates  his 
splendid  generalship  in  the  Paraguayan  war. 

The  “ Rua  Riachuelo  ” preserves  the  name 
of  the  most  glorious  battle  of  the  war.  And 
the  “Rua  Voluntaries  da  Patria,”  one  of  the 
principal  streets  of  Botafogo,  is  a lasting  re- 
minder of  the  brave  company  of  the  “ coun- 
try’s volunteers”  who  won  the  laurels  of 
military  glory  for  Brazil  against  the  dictator 
Lopez.  The  most  important  point  of  interest 
from  its  relation  to  the  events  of  the  last 
revolution  is  the  Praga  da  Republica,  the 
chief  theatre  of  action  on  that  memorable 
day  which  witnessed  a few  bold  strokes  so 
well  directed  that  their  aim  accomplished  the  downfall  of  one  government  and  the  successful 
proclamation  of  another  within  twenty-four  hours, — a record  for  which  the  world  offers 
no  parallel. 

The  history  of  the  city  of  Rio,  or,  to  give  its  full  name,  Sao  Sebastiao  do  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
dates  from  1 ^66,  when  Estacio  de  Sa,  nephew  of  the  governor-general  of  Brazil  at  that  time, 
effected  a landing  with  a few  colonists  at  a place  near  the  Sugar-Loaf  Mountain  and  fortified 
a small  settlement  which  he  called  Villa  Velha  [“  Old  Town  ”].  The  next  year,  the  governor- 
general  transferred  the  town  to  the  present  site,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Sao  Sebastiao,  in 
honor  of  the  King  of  Portugal.  He  erected  a citadel,  or  castello,  on  the  hill  now  called  Morro 
do  Castello,  and  placed  there  a commemorative  tablet  on  which  was  carved  the  royal  arms 
of  Portugal.  The  first  church  of  Sao  Sebastiao  was  built  beside  this  stone,  which  still  remains 
as  a relic  of  the  city’s  foundation.  The  older  section  of  the  city  is  constructed  according  to 
Portuguese  ideas  of  architecture,  in  narrow  streets,  not  broad  enough  for  vehicles  to  pass 
each  other;  but  this  section  is  so  rapidly  disappearing  that  now  only  a few  of  these  narrow 
thoroughfares  remain.  It  is  possible  to  go  to  almost  any  part  of  the  city  in  a street-car,  or 
“bond”  as  it  is  popularly  called — a name  given  by  the  common  people,  who,  having  heard 
a great  deal  about  “bonds”  in  connection  with  the  inauguration  of  the  street-car  system  in 
Rio,  hailed  the  cars  when  they  finally  appeared,  as  “those  American  bonds,”  and  the  name  has 
clung  to  them  ever  since.  Automobiles  have  been  brought  into  use  in  Rio  since  the  trans- 
formation of  the  city,  but  they  have  not  quite  usurped  the  place  of  the  old-fashioned  tilbury, 
which  seems  indispensable  to  the  “ Fluminense,”  who  hails  one  as  he  is  leaving  home 


DR.  OSWALDO  CRUZ. 


144 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


for  his  place  of  business  in  the  morning,  and  while  the  covered  two-wheeler  whisks  along 
at  a lively  rate,  comfortably  devotes  his  attention  to  the  morning  paper  or  his  mail-bag,  or 
to  the  beauties  of  the  bay  along  the  shore  of  which  he  passes  on  his  way  to  “the  city.” 
Only  one  passenger,  who  sits  beside  the  driver,  is  permitted  to  ride  in  a tilbury  at  a time, 
and  it  is  seldom  that  a lady  makes  use  of  this  method  of  transit.  An  amusing  episode 
which  occurred  in  Rio  during  a sojourn  there  of  two  American  ladies  proves  how  jealously 
the  tilbury  fraternity  guard  their  rights.  The  two  ladies  had  arrived  from  Petropolis  in  a 
pouring  rain  and  found  all  the  carriages  at  the  Rio  landing  already  engaged;  only  a solitary 
tilbury  stood  at  the  curb.  The  driver  was  signalled,  and  agreed  to  take  them  to  their  hotel; 
and  they,  ignorant  of  the  law,  crowded  into  the  rather  circumscribed  space  which  the  vehicle 
afforded,  and  were  conveyed  to  their  destination.  Imagine  their  dismay,  on  arriving  at  the 
hotel,  to  see  the  horse’s  bridle  seized  by  a policeman,  the  driver  surrounded  by  angry  and 
gesticulating  jehus,  and  behind  them  an  imposing  line  of  tilburies  that  had  been  increasing 
in  number  all  along  the  route  from  the  landing,  and  soon  filled  the  court  of  the  hotel,  their 
owners  joining  in  the  hubbub  until  peace  was  finally  restored  by  the  payment  of  two  fares, 
or  rather  the  hire  of  two  tilburies. 

A visitor  to  Rio  is  first  charmed  by  its  picturesque  beauty,  then  attracted  by  the  modern 
appearance  of  the  city  generally,  and  finally  interested  in  its  history  and  the  public  institu- 
tions which  have  been  established  at  various  periods  of  its  existence.  The  National  Museum 
is  daily  visited  by  many  strangers  to  Rio.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  institutions  of  the  capital 
and  was  founded  during  the  reign  of  King  Dom  Joao  VI.  It  was  the  original  intention  to 
make  it  a museum  of  natural  history,  but  the  present  collection  includes  all  kinds  of  rare 
objects  of  scientific  or  historical  interest.  Foreign  naturalists  have  contributed  largely  to  its 
stores,  in  addition  to  the  valuable  specimens  furnished  by  Brazilian  explorers.  The  museum 
is  constantly  increasing  the  number  and  value  of  its  different  departments,  which  afford  an 
excellent  opportunity  for  the  student  to  become  acquainted  with  the  anthropological  and 
archaeological  discoveries  made  within  recent  years  in  this  part  of  the  globe.  In  1876,  the 
National  Museum  began  the  publication  of  its  archives,  several  volumes  of  which  have 
already  appeared.  Among  these  papers  are  important  contributions  from  the  late  Professor 
Hartt  on  the  archaeology  and  ethnology  of  the  Amazons,  from  Drs.  Lacerda  and  Peixoto  on 
Indian  crania,  from  Drs.  Ladislau  Netto  and  Ferreira  Penna  on  Brazilian  archaeology,  from 
Professor  Orville  A.  Derby  on  geology,  from  Dr.  Lacerda  on  the  physiological  action  of  snake- 
poisons,  and  from  Professor  Fritz  Muller  on  insects  and  crustaceans.  Dr.  C.  A.  White,  of  the 
National  Museum  at  Washington,  has  contributed  a splendid  monograph  on  the  crustaceous 
invertebrate  fossils,  numbering  over  two  hundred  species,  mostly  new,  collected  by  the 
geological  commission,  and  Messrs.  Derby  and  Rathbun  have  added  monographs  on  the  car- 
boniferous and  Devonian  fauna.  Dr.  Barbosa  Rodrigues,  the  present  director  of  the  Botanical 
Gardens  at  Rio,  has  written  many  important  works  on  his  discoveries  of  new  varieties  of 
palms  and  orchids,  of  which  he  has  made  a specialty,  as  well  as  on  his  studies  in  ethnology 
in  the  fertile  held  of  the  Amazons.  Among  the  curiosities  at  the  museum,  the  Brazilian 


THE  NEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL  14? 

meteorite  “Bendigo”  has  a very  important  place.  It  weighs  nearly  five  tons,  and  was 
discovered  first,  in  1781,  by  a farmer,  near  Canudos,  in  the  interior  of  Bahia,  while  looking 
for  his  cattle.  After  many  unsuccessful  attempts  to  move  the  mass,  it  was  finally  trans- 
ported to  Rio,  nearly  a year  being  required  for  the  work  of  conveying  it  to  the  port  of  Bahia 
for  shipment.  Professor  Derby,  an  American,  and  a recognized  authority  on  such  matters, 
says  it  may  be  five  or  six  centuries  old. 

Next  to  the  National  Museum,  the  greatest  scientific  interest  attaches  to  the  National 
Library,  which  contains  a splendid  collection  of  more  than  four  hundred  thousand  books, 
manuscripts,  and  other  important  documents,  and  has  been  a valued  possession  of  the 
capital  for  nearly  a hundred  years,  having  been  founded  by  King  Joao  VI.  soon  after  his 


CANAL  DO  MANGUE. 

arrival  in  Brazil,  the  nucleus  consisting  of  a valuable  collection  of  books  from  the  Ajuda 
palace,  in  Lisbon.  On  the  establishment  of  the  empire,  an  enormous  indemnity  was 
demanded  by  the  Portuguese  government  for  the  Ajuda  books,  which  was  afterward  paid. 
Additions  from  time  to  time  have  brought  the  library  up  to  its  present  standard,  prominent 
among  the  contributions  being  the  library  of  Dorn  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada.  The  library 
collection  has  been  removed  to  the  new  building,  which  is  one  of  the  handsomest  edifices 
on  the  Avenida  Central. 

The  Casa  da  Moeda  (mint)  of  Rio  is  another  institution  of  particular  interest  and  impor- 
tance. In  addition  to  the  coinage  of  money,  the  revenue  and  postage  stamps  are  printed 
here.  Its  numismatic  collection  is  unique  and  valuable.  The  government  printing-office,  or 


146 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


“ Typography  Nacional,”  occupies  one  of  the  handsomest  buildings  in  the  city.  It  was  three 
years  under  construction,  and  cost  half  a million  dollars  in  gold.  The  architecture  is  attractive 
and  appropriate,  and  the  ornamentation  harmonizes  with  the  purposes  of  the  establishment, 
the  facade  having  statues  of  Gutenberg,  Faust,  Schoeffer,  and  Coster.  The  offices,  com- 
posing-rooms, press-rooms,  and  other  departments  are  spacious  and  conveniently  arranged, 
having  all  modern  requirements,  including  machinery  for  type-setting,  stereotyping,  and 
lithographing.  On  the  upper  floor  are  large  halls  for  exhibitions  and  lectures.  The  post- 
office  and  the  stock-exchange  on  the  Rua  Primeiro  do  Margo  are  handsome  buildings,  and 
were  the  forerunners  of  the  present  modern  style  of  architecture  which  is  everywhere 
seen  in  the  new  Rio. 

The  municipality  of  Rio  is  governed  by  a Prefect,  who  is  appointed  by  a decree  of  the 
President  of  the  Republic.  The  present  Prefect,  General  F.  M.  de  Souza  Aguiar,  succeeded 
Dr.  Pereira  Passos,  taking  up,  with  the  energy  and  ability  for  which  he  is  eminently  distin- 
guished, the  unfinished  work  of  beautifying  and  improving  the  city;  he  is  adding  many  new 
reforms  as  the  progress  of  the  capital  makes  it  necessary.  Cooperating  with  the  Prefect  are 
six  Directorates : the  Directorate  of  Patrimony  has  charge  of  the  properties  of  the  munici- 
pality, supervising  purchases  and  sales,  leases,  donations,  and  similar  matters;  the  Directorate 
of  Public  Works  and  Transportation  attends  to  the  public  improvements,  the  construction  and 
repair  of  buildings,  and  everything  relating  to  the  lighting,  water  works,  railways,  and  street- 
cars of  the  city;  the  Directorate  of  Hygiene  and  Public  Assistance,  as  the  name  indicates, 
superintends  sanitary  work  and  the  hospital  and  asylum  organizations;  the  Directorate  of 
Instruction  has  charge  of  municipal  schools,  organizing  and  regulating  these  establishments; 
the  Directorate  of  Finance  and  the  Directorate  of  Police  direct  the  affairs  of  these  depart- 
ments. There  are  also  Inspectors  of  Gardens,  Arborization,  etc.,  whose  duty  it  is  to  keep  in 
order  the  beautiful  pragas  and  boulevards  of  the  city;  and  Superintendents  of  Street-Cleaning, 
who  keep  the  thoroughfares  free  from  rubbish  and  provide  for  the  speedy  removal  of  any 
obstacles  to  traffic. 

The  Minister  of  Justice  is  the  General  Superintendent  of  the  Police  of  the  Federal 
District,  though  the  government  appoints  also  a Chief  of  Police,  who  has  the  cooperation 
of  three  auxiliary  delegates.  In  addition  to  these  officials  the  police  service  has  an  army  of 
assistants  for  the  preservation  of  public  safety.  The  policing  of  the  city  is  executed  by  a 
Military  Brigade,  a Civil  Guard  and  a corps  of  agents  of  the  Public  Safety.  The  Correctional 
School,  Correctional  Colony,  and  similar  institutions  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Police 
Department.  The  Correctional  School  is  an  admirable  institution,  having  as  its  object  the 
reclaiming  of  children  over  nine  and  under  fourteen  years  of  age,  either  orphans  who 
are  in  danger  of  becoming  bad  citizens  through  lack  of  parental  restraint  and  training,  or 
children  of  parents  who  do  not  exercise  proper  authority  over  them.  The  school  occupies 
a spacious  building  in  Sao  Christovao  Street,  and  has  two  dependencies  in  the  suburbs, 
with  suitable  grounds,  for  boys  and  girls  respectively.  The  girl  inmates  are  taught  domestic 
duties,  and  the  boys,  outdoor  work,  such  as  gardening,  etc.  The  Correctional  Colony  is 


THE  HEW  FEDERAL  CAPITAL 


i47 


designed  to  meet  the  difficulty  of  dealing  with  that  class  comprising  habitual  drunkards, 
gamesters,  vagrants,  and  thieves,  so  well-known  in  all  cities,  and  who  constitute  a menace 
to  the  peace  and  well-being  of  the 
community.  The  Colony  is  located 
on  Grand  Island,  outside  of  the  bay, 
occupying  the  plantation  known  as 
Dois  Rios,  which  is  rich  in  coffee 
trees.  The  inmates  of  the  Colony 
are  put  to  work  in  the  coffee  fields  or 
in  some  of  the  numerous  establish- 
ments connected  with  this  industry 
on  the  island. 

The  Fire  Department  of  Rio  is 
one  of  the  most  important  institu- 
tions for  the  protection  of  public  and 
private  property.  It  is  composed  of  a 
central  station  and  six  sub-stations, 
one  of  which  is  located  on  the  shore  of  the  bay  and  has  two  large  steamboats  fitted  up  for 
the  purpose  of  extinguishing  fires  on  board  of  any  ships  in  the  harbor.  Alarm  boxes  are 
placed  at  the  street  corners,  and  the  service  is  so  well  arranged  that  only  twenty  seconds 
are  required  to  get  the  engines,  wagons,  etc.,  out  of  the  fire-hall.  At  the  central  station, 
which  is  a handsome  modern  building,  are  manufacturing  and  repair  shops  for  the  use  of 
the  department,  all  the  work  being  done  by  the  firemen,  six  hundred  in  number.  The 
Prefect,  General  F.  M.  de  Souza  Aguiar,  was  for  six  years  the  Chief  of  the  Fire  Department, 
and  during  this  time  introduced  many  improvements. 

According  to  the  last  census  the  population  of  Rio  is  eight  hundred  and  eleven  thousand 
two  hundred  and  sixty-five,  and  it  is  rapidly  increasing,  as  a consequence  of  the  healthful 
conditions  which  prevail  and  the  many  advantages  it  offers  as  a desirable  place  of  residence. 
The  climate  is  delightful,  there  is  no  longer  a terror  for  the  foreigner  in  the  idea,  always 
exaggerated,  that  Rio  was  the  favorite  home  of  yellow  fever  and  other  contagious  diseases. 
It  is  the  most  picturesque  capital  of  the  world  and  an  ideal  resort,  with  charming  social  life 
and  everything  that  contributes  to  an  enjoyable  existence.  The  Cassino  Fluminense,  the 
principal  social  club  of  the  capital,  has  among  its  members  the  most  distinguished  men 
of  Brazil,  and  the  functions  given  under  its  patronage  are  occasions  of  the  highest  social 
importance.  All  distinguished  visitors  to  Brazil  are  entertained  by  this  club.  The  foreigners 
of  Rio,  including  Portuguese,  English,  American,  French,  German,  and  Italian  residents,  also 
have  their  clubs.  The  Rio  Yacht  Club,  and  several  boating  clubs,  entertain  lavishly  with 
the  most  charming  fiestas,  and  there  is  no  season  of  the  year  when  Rio  is  not  a desir- 
able place  of  residence.  The  diplomatic  corps,  who  have  had  their  official  residence  in 
Petropolis  ever  since  the  time  of  the  empire,  when  an  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  in  Rio 


148 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


led  them  to  petition  their  governments  for  this  privilege,  appreciate  the  many  advantages 
which  Rio  now  offers,  since  yellow  fever  no  longer  exists  as  a menace  to  health,  and  a 
movement  is  on  foot  to  have  the  official  residence  removed  again  to  the  Federal  capital. 
The  favorite  site  for  residences  is  now  the  Beira-Mar,  and  many  palatial  homes  are  situated 
on  this  magnificent  boulevard  overlooking  the  bay,  particularly  along  the  driveway  through 
the  picturesque  quarter  of  Botafogo.  With  its  many  charming  scenes  and  the  glory  of  its 
tropical  skies,  with  its  handsome  palacetes,  the  luxuriance  of  its  gardens,  the  attractiveness 
of  its  avenues  and  their  modern  edifices,  Rio  is  the  ideal  City  Beautiful  of  the  New  World. 


PRACA  da  gloria. 


CORCOVADO,  FROM  SYLVESTRE. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 


rT',0  describe  the  beautiful  suburbs  of  Rio, 
* one  should  take  a leaf  from  an  Oriental 
poem,  rich  in  the  glowing  phrases  of  the 
Eastern  imagination ; for  only  superlatives 
are  adequate  to  express  the  picturesque 
charm,  romantic  and  captivating,  that  lies  in 
the  hills  and  valleys,  islands,  inlets,  and 
waterfalls  of  the  fascinating  environs  of  the 
capital.  The  landscape  presents  a thousand 
varied  aspects,  and  whether  viewed  from 
the  bay  or  from  the  mountains  the  scene  is 
one  of  enchantment. 

Rome  and  Byzantium  boast  of  their 
seven  hills,  but  Rio  has  seven  times  as  many 
noble  summits  on  watchful  guard  around  her. 
Little  imagination  is  evoked  in  picturing  as 
her  “ perpetual  defenders  ” these  lofty  peaks 
that  surround  her  in  towering  majesty.  The 
well-named  “hunchback,”  Corcovado,  stands 

DR.  JOSE  BARBOSA  RODRIGUES,  . 

director  of  the  botanical  garden.  close  to  the  city,  a tamous  monster.  Vying 

with  each  other  in  grenadier  service  are  the 
twin  peaks,  “ Dois  Irmaos,”  close  to  the  sea.  The  weather-beaten  Gavea  looks  as  if  it  had 
faced  the  elements  in  storm  and  calm  for  untold  ages.  Santa  Theresa,  like  a guardian  angel, 
bends  close  to  the  heart  of  the  city,  taking  its  children  in  her  sheltering  arms  when  mid- 
summer comes,  fanning  them  with  her  breeze-laden  trees  and  bathing  them  in  her  cooling 
streams:  very  comforting  and  refreshing  are  the  ministrations  of  Good  Santa  Theresa.  And 
Tij  uca!  In  strong  contrast  to  the  uncompromising  outlines  of  the  Gavea,  sweeps  the  graceful 

G1 


1^2 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


contour  of  this  suburban  giant,  with  a saucy  parrot’s  beak,  “Bico  do  Papagaio,”  peeping 
over  one  shoulder,  and  a whole  Brobdingnagian  retinue  in  attendance.  With  head  high  among 
the  clouds,  the  splendid  colossus  appears  inaccessible;  but  in  the  summer  season  there  is  no 
better  friend  of  Rio  than  this  haughty  aristocrat,  gorgeously  arrayed  in  rich  tropical  foliage, 
sparkling  with  the  jewels  that  flash  from  innumerable  waterfalls;  sometimes  with  darkened 
brow  frowning  in  sullen  gloom  as  if  under  a terrible  threat  of  the  storm-king’s  thunder, 
and  again  smiling  frank  and  bold  in  the  face  of  the  sunshine.  The  Sugar-Loaf,  “Pao  de 
Assucar,”  guarding  one  side  of  the  narrow  entrance  to  the  bay,  offers  an  aesthetic  nibble  to 
the  imagination  and  a splendid  promise  of  the  feast  that  lies  within  the  harbor’s  portals. 

With  the  charm  of  her  beautiful  environment,  Rio  possesses  unrivalled  attractions  as 
a most  delightful  place  of  residence.  Electric  street-car  systems  make  the  remote  suburbs 
easily  accessible,  and  even  during  the  oppressive  season  of  the  year  a half  hour’s  ride  will 
take  the  resident  into  an  atmosphere  of  delicious  coolness.  From  the  Largo  Carioca,  an 
inclined  railway  connects  with  Santa  Theresa,  the  route  offering  one  of  the  most  picturesque 
views  imaginable;  the  summit  presents  a succession  of  terraces,  with  villas  looking  invit- 
ingly out  among  the  trees.  The  old  Carioca  aqueduct  runs  along  the  side  of  the  road,  a 
connecting  link  between  modern  and  mediaeval  industry.  In  the  distance  may  be  seen 
Tijuca  and  the  Tingua  Mountains.  The  old  Santa  Theresa  convent,  which  occupies  the 
eastern  side  of  Santa  Theresa  Mountain  and  at  first  belonged  to  an  order  of  Carmelite  nuns, 
was  founded  in  1742,  though  it  was  not  until  1781  that  the  recluses  were  permitted  to  take 
the  veil  of  Santa  Theresa,  and  then  only  twenty-one  were  admitted.  During  the  early 
days,  it  was  quite  customary  for  husbands,  before  leaving  the  city  on  a military  expedition, 
to  place  their  wives  in  this  convent  for  safe-keeping. 

There  are  two  routes  to  the  summit  of  Corcovado;  one  is  by  way  of  Santa  Theresa, 
and  Paineiras,  and  the  other  direct  from  the  city,  by  a railway  of  the  Riggenbach  system, 
which  goes  to  the  top  of  the  peak.  The  direct  road  from  the  Cosme  Velho  station,  in 
Larangeiras,  to  the  summit  of  Corcovado  is  about  two  miles  and  a half  long,  and  the  actual 
ascent  is  two  thousand  and  eighty  feet,  or  about  one  in  six.  Corcovado  is  the  great  show- 
place  of  Brazil,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  anywhere  in  the  world  Nature  offers  a grander  treat. 
From  the  point  where  the  train  leaves  the  station  at  its  base  there  is  a constant  feast  of 
the  beautiful;  and  when  the  enraptured  traveller  reaches  the  little  pavilion  that  crowns  the 
mountain’s  summit,  he  is  speechless  before  the  lavish  splendor  of  this  garden  of  the  gods. 
No  language  is  adequate  to  describe  the  view,  one  of  thrilling  charm,  so  impressive  that  it 
remains  forever  engraven  on  the  memory  of  the  beholder.  The  hills  are  grouped  around 
in  solemn  grandeur;  the  picturesque  islands  appear  like  pretty  naiads  decked  for  a holiday; 
the  blue  skies  with  their  floating  white  clouds  are  mirrored  in  the  clear  depths  of  the 
bay;  the  city  lies  just  below,  radiant  in  the  sunshine. 

The  suburb  of  Tijuca  is  about  six  miles  from  the  business  centre  of  the  city,  with 
which  it  is  connected  by  a street  railway.  Many  people  of  Rio  have  their  summer  homes 
at  Tijuca,  and  it  is  a desirable  residence  locality  all  the  year  round.  A fine  view  is  obtained 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 


G3 

from  various  points  along  the  road  which  leads  to  the  summit  of  this  peak,  three  thousand 
three  hundred  and  sixty-two  feet  above  sea  level,  the  highest  point  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  capital.  Very  beautiful  features  of  the  scenery  are  the  sylvan  pathways,  having  all 
the  charm  of  the  forest,  and  leaping  cascades  that  dazzle  the  eyes  as  they  splash  over  the 
rocks  in  sun-kissed  showers.  With  the  recent  transformation  of  the  Federal  Capital,  many 
improvements  have  been  made  in  the  suburban  attractions,  and  Sumare  is  one  of  the 
newest  acquisitions  to  the  picturesque  view  points  from  which  the  city  and  harbor  are  seen 
to  the  best  advantage.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  Gavea,  at  the  summit  of  the  pass  that  separates 


THE  SUMMIT  OF  CORCOVADO. 


it  from  Corcovado,  is  the  famous  “ Chinese  view  ” (so  called  because  the  road  from  that 
point  down  to  the  Botanical  Garden  was  built  by  Chinese  labor),  from  which  a superb 
picture  of  the  ocean  is  seen,  and  the  “praia,”  or  beach,  of  Botafogo;  the  road  runs  through 
a bit  of  virgin  forest,  and  gives  charming  glimpses  of  scenery  along  its  course. 

The  Gavea  and  Copacabana  are  reached  by  street-cars  on  what  is  known  as  the 
Botanical  Garden  line,  the  oldest  system  of  street  railways  in  South  America,  constructed 
and  opened  to  traffic,  in  1868,  by  an  American  company.  “Gavea”  signifies  a topsail,  and 
from  its  sail-like  shape  the  huge  mass  takes  its  name,  which  is  also  applied  to  the  suburb 
at  its  foot,  one  of  the  most  popular  of  the  capital,  and  a favorite  resort  on  holidays. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


G4 

Besides  the  attractions  of  her  neighboring  hills,  Rio  has,  in  the  beautiful  islands  that 
dot  the  harbor,  possessions  of  the  greatest  charm  and  interest.  Not  only  are  many  of 

them  desirable  places  of  residence  for  the 
beauty  of  their  scenery,  but  their  salubrious 
climate  gives  them  even  a higher  value. 
The  most  famous  of  these,  both  for  its 
picturesqueness  and  the  delicious  purity  of 
its  atmosphere,  is  the  island  of  Paqueta,  the 
chosen  health  resort  of  many  invalids  from 
the  capital,  and  for  several  years,  from  1832 
to  1838,  the  home  of  the  great  Brazilian 
statesman,  Dorn  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada. 
A handsome  service  of  porcelain,  made  from 
the  kaolin  of  this  island,  was  presented  to 
King  Dom  Joao  VI.,  in  1815,  during  the 
residence  of  the  Portuguese  court  in  Brazil. 
Paqueta  is  the  second  largest  of  all  the 
islands  in  the  bay,  Governador  having  first 
place  in  this  respect.  “ llha  do  Governador,” 
or  Governor’s  Island,  is  about  fifty  miles  in 
circumference,  and  derives  special  impor- 
tance as  the  site  of  large  brick  and  tile  fac- 
tories, and  because  of  the  location  here  of 
the  Sailors’  Hospital.  During  the  residence 
of  the  Portuguese  court  in  Brazil,  a large 
portion  of  the  island  was  reserved  for  the 
royal  hunting-grounds,  llha  das  Cobras,  also  called  Madeira  in  the  early  days  when  it 
supplied  the  wood  for  building  the  city  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  lies  at  that  point  of  the  bay 
close  to  the  commercial  centre  of  the  city.  It  was  fortified  in  colonial  days,  and  in  its 
prison  have  been  incarcerated  many  of  the  notable  men  of  Brazilian  history,  among  others, 
the  leaders  of  the  republican  revolt  in  1789,  including  “Tiradentes.”  Between  the  islands 
Governador  and  Cobras  lies  the  Bom  Jesus,  where  King  Dom  Joao  VI.  delighted  to  spend 
a part  of  each  year  during  his  stay  in  Brazil,  and  where  the  fiesta  of  Sao  Francisco  de 
Assis  was  annually  celebrated  at  his  expense.  The  magnificent  ceremony  attending  the 
occasion  of  the  birth  of  the  king’s  first  granddaughter,  Donna  Maria  da  Gloria,  afterward 
Queen  Maria  II.  of  Portugal,  which  was  performed  on  this  island,  was  one  of  the  important 
events  of  his  reign.  In  the  chapel  of  a military  museum  on  the  island  rest  the  remains 
of  General  Osorio,  the  great  leader  of  the  Brazilian  army  in  the  Paraguayan  war.  The 
total  number  of  islands  in  the  bay  is  estimated  at  nearly  a hundred.  The  contour  of 
the  bay  is  marked  by  picturesque  inlets  and  peninsulas;  just  outside  of  the  harbor, 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN  155 

Copacabana  juts  into  the  sea,  forming  one  of  the  most  delightful  resorts,  famous  for  its 
cool  sea  breeze  and  its  splendid  beach.  A picturesque  little  chapel  is  built  on  a small 
knoll  looking  out  over  the  sea.  Ipanema  and  Leme  also  overlook  the  sea.  Near  Copa- 
cabana is  the  Lake  Rodrigo  de  Freitas,  which  is  separated  from  the  ocean  only  by  a 
narrow  strip  of  land,  a mere  sandbank  over  which  the  water  sometimes  cuts  a passage. 
Along  the  street  which  follows  the  shore  of  the  lake  are  some  interesting  old  country- 
houses  and  many  handsome  modern  villas.  The  view  from  this  point  is  very  attractive, 
the  Gavea,  Tijuca,  Dois  Irmaos,  and  the  famous  Avenue  of  Palms  in  the  Botanical  Garden 
being  in  plain  view. 

The  Botanical  Garden  occupies  a beautiful  site  on  the  border  of  the  Lake  Rodrigo  de 
Freitas.  The  spacious  grounds  cover  an  area  of  two  thousand  acres,  extending  to  the 
base  of  the  frowning  Gavea  and  looking  up  to  the  near  peaks  of  Corcovado  and  Dios 
Irmaos.  The  main  entrance,  erected  in  1893,  is  a handsome  gateway  ornamented  on 
each  side  with  splendid  specimens  of  the  litchia  and  the  carrapeteira,  and  opening  to 
the  Garden  through  a vista  of  surpassing  loveliness.  An  ancient  portico,  surmounted 


GRAND  CASCADE  OF  TIJUCA. 


by  the  royal  arms  of  Portugal,  which  belonged  to  the  grounds  when  used  for  a powder- 
factory  in  colonial  days,  is  still  in  an  excellent  state  of  preservation,  and  presents  one  of 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


the  very  attractive  features  of  the  Garden.  A magnificent  avenue  of  royal  palms  extends 
from  the  main  entrance  for  a distance  of  nearly  half  a mile  across  the  grounds,  numbering 

one  hundred  and  fifty  trees  of 
uniform  height,  and  presenting 
the  appearance  of  a grand  colon- 
nade supporting  a delicate  arch 
of  green  nearly  a hundred  feet 
from  the  ground;  an  alley  of 
palms  crosses  it  at  right  angles, 
extending  two  thousand  feet 
and  numbering  one  hundred  and 
forty-two  trees  of  a uniform 
height  of  seventy-five  feet.  An 
artistic  fountain  ornaments  the 
open  space  formed  by  the  cross- 
ing of  the  two  avenues.  Fol- 
lowing the  pathway  on  the  left 
of  the  entrance,  one  is  suddenly 
surprised  to  find  himself  in  a 
grove  of  bamboos,  a delightful 
retreat,  and  so  popular  among 
visitors  that  it  has  received  the 
name  of  the  Bamboo  Salon. 
This  section  of  the  Garden  is 
devoted  chiefly  to  the  cultiva- 
a pathway  in  sylvestre.  tion  of  exotics,  and  choice  speci- 

mens from  every  country  are 
found  here.  The  “traveller’s  tree”  of  Madagascar,  which  secretes  pure  cold  water  that 
is  extracted  by  plunging  a knife  into  it,  attracts  much  attention.  Cinnamon,  clove,  nutmeg, 
and  other  trees  bearing  products  of  the  East  Indian  archipelago,  grown  from  tiny  seeds 
planted  nearly  a century  ago,  waft  their  heavy  incense  through  the  air. 

But  though  the  specimens  of  foreign  origin  are  of  great  interest,  and  often  present 
rare  individual  types  that  attract  attention  and  sometimes  awaken  the  greatest  enthusiasm, 
it  is  the  trees  and  plants  native  to  the  country  that  offer  most  in  the  way  of  novelty 
or  extravagance  of  size,  form,  and  color.  There  is  nothing  in  the  whole  foreign  collec- 
tion to  compare  in  beauty  and  marvellous  dimensions  with  the  Victoria  Regia,  a giant 
water  lily,  named  by  Lindley  in  honor  of  the  English  queen,  though  the  natives  of  Matto 
Grosso,  where  it  is  found  in  the  greatest  abundance,  call  it  the  “ Uape  Japona.”  Its  leaves 
measure  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  in  circumference,  the  upper  surface  being  a dark,  glossy 
green,  while  the  under  side  is  dark  red  in  color;  the  flowers  often  grow  as  high  as  half 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 


a foot  above  the  water,  measuring  four  feet  around  when  full  blown.  A singular  charac- 
teristic of  this  wonderful  plant  is  seen  in  the  unfolding  of  its  petals,  which,  from  a delicate 
rose  tint  at  first  opening,  pass 
gradually,  in  the  course  of  twenty- 
four  hours,  to  a bright  red  hue. 

During  the  first  day’s  blooming 
they  are  very  fragrant,  but  after 
two  or  three  days  they  wither  and 
fall  to  pieces.  Nor  is  there  any 
imported  curiosity  of  the  vegetable 
world  more  remarkable  than  the 
specimens  brought  from  the  region 
of  the  Amazon.  The  rubber-tree, 
yielding  a white,  milk-like  sap  that 
coagulates  almost  immediately  into 
a mass  of  elastic  rubber,  is  a native 
of  Para  and  Amazonas,  where  the 
Indians  for  centuries  have  known 
how  to  make  use  of  its  water-tight 
properties.  The  Candelabra-tree 
is  chiefly  interesting  for  its  appear- 
ance, which  perfectly  resembles 
an  immense  candelabra  ready  for 
illumination.  The  mighty  pirijao 
is  a pitiful  example  of  the  good 
friend  betrayed,  strangling  slowly 
in  the  embrace  of  the  cruel  liana,  tuuca  forest. 

that  clinging  about  the  tall  giant 

and  receiving  his  protection  and  sustenance  until  grown  vigorous  from  his  imparted  strength, 
still  feeds  on  the  friend  that  saved  its  useless  life,  squeezing  his  last  drop  of  blood  into 
greedy  veins; — “parasite”  well  named  is  this  vegetable  vampire  of  the  forest.  The  patrician 
orchid,  independent  of  all  sustenance  that  is  of  the  earth  earthy,  blends  its  delicate  velvet 
bloom  with  the  dark  hues  of  clambering  vines  and  the  gay  colors  of  forest  birds;  the  orchid 
is  found  nowhere  else  in  the  world  in  such  profusion  and  variety  as  in  Brazil,  and  on  the 
trees  growing  in  the  Botanical  Garden  it  is  permitted  to  revel  in  its  forest  freedom  undis- 
turbed by  hunters.  Little  glimpses  of  the  virgin  forest  are  seen,  too,  where  in  some  dense 
thicket  the  trees  are  twined  and  wreathed  with  garlands  of  vines,  looped  among  the 
branches  in  great  festoons  that  sweep  the  ground  in  a graceful  curtain  of  green.  The 
flaming  crimson  of  the  poncetta,  the  dark,  glossy  green  of  the  orange-tree,  the  beautiful 
tree-fern,  and  the  wonderful  papaw-tree,  with  such  valuable  properties  for  medicinal 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


purposes,  all  charm  the  eye  and  appeal  to  the  imagination.  Taller  than  the  royal  palms  are 
some  of  the  great  trees  from  the  Amazon  country,  that  reach  a height  of  from  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  to  two  hundred  feet, — one  hundred  feet  from  the  ground  to  the  lowest 
branches, — and  sometimes  measuring  fifty  feet  in  circumference. 

One  species  of  these  trees  is  particularly  noticeable  for  the  buttress-like  projection  at 
its  base,  as  if  the  “muscles”  were  stretched  and  strained  by  holding  so  heavy  and  tall  a 
body  in  an  erect  position;  and  this  is  really  the  case;  they  are  the  roots  of  the  sapling  that 
have  gradually  raised  themselves  out  of  the  ground  as  the  increasing  height  of  the  tree 
needed  their  support.  Sometimes  the  spaces  between  these  “ buttresses  ” are  large  enough 
to  hold  six  people,  and  give  the  base  of  the  tree  a deeply  fluted,  pyramidal  shape. 

The  “cow-tree,”  so  called  because  it  produces  a kind  of  milk,  is  also  a native  of  the 
Amazon  region,  where  it  is  considered  a valuable  commercial  factor;  too  strong  for  drinking 
purposes,  the  milk  is  very  quickly,  converted  into  glue  after  being  exposed  to  the  air,  and 
makes  a useful  cement;  while  the  bark  after  being  treated  by  a certain  process  produces 
an  excellent  red  dye  for  cloth.  A cow-tree  making  red  rags  does  seem  an  insult  to  bovine 
traditions! 

Aside  from  the  miscellaneous  collection  of  trees  and  plants  gathered  from  all  sources, 
the  Botanical  Garden  at  Rio  contains  nearly  three  thousand  specimens  regularly  classified. 


HOTEL  INTERNACIONAL  AT  SANTA  THERESA,  IN  THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO. 


The  visitor  can  be  provided  with  a catalogue,  if  desired,  and  by  this  means  may  learn 
everything  needful  with  regard  to  any  particular  species  or  variety  that  appears  on  the 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 


'59 

published  list.  There  is  a library  in  connection  with  the  institution,  also  a museum,  a 
national  herbarium,  an  aquarium,  a hot-house,  and  other  accessories.  The  present  director 


VISTA  AT  SYLVESTRE. 


of  the  Garden  is  Dr.  J.  Barbosa  Rodrigues,  a scientist  of  international  fame  and  a writer  on 
scientific  subjects,  whose  works  are  regarded  as  standard  authority  by  eminent  naturalists 
and  ethnologists,  and  who  is  a member  of  the  principal  scientific  societies  of  the  world, 
including  the  royal  botanical  societies  of  Edinburgh,  Vienna,  and  Marseilles,  the  Royal 
Anthropological  and  Ethnological  Society  of  Florence,  the  Royal  Academy  of  Science  in 
Lisbon,  the  Society  of  Naturalists  in  Freiburg,  the  Geographical  Society  in  Paris,  and  every 
important  scientific  society  in  Brazil.  Dr.  Barbosa  has  discovered  and  classified  one  hundred 
and  thirty-four  different  species  of  palms,  and  his  researches  in  the  Amazon  country  have 
brought  results  to  the  scientific  world  of  the  highest  value.  Shortly  after  he  assumed  the 
management  of  the  Botanical  Garden,  in  1890,  the  institution  was  completely  reorganized, 
and  under  his  direction  it  has  been  rearranged  according  to  a regular  system  of  classification, 
while  the  area  under  cultivation  has  been  very  much  extended  and  the  number  of  rare 
specimens  greatly  increased. 

The  Botanical  Garden  was  founded  a century  ago.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in  Brazil, 
King  Dom  Joao  VI.,  at  that  time  regent,  issued  a decree,  June  i$,  1808,  in  which  he 


i6o 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


commanded  that  the  necessary  land  be  prepared  for  a Jardim  de  Acclimacao,  designed  to 
introduce  into  Brazil  the  culture  of  East  Indian  species.  By  a decree  of  October  i ith  in  the 
same  year,  a director  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  new  enterprise,  and  it  was  named 
the  Real  Horto.  An  interesting  story  is  related  in  connection  with  the  first  contribution 
made  to  this  garden.  The  frigate  Princeqa  do  Brazil  having  been  wrecked  just  at  this 
time  off  the  coast  of  Goa,  her  officers,  of  whom  the  chief  was  Luiz  de  Abreu  Vieira  e Silva, 
embarked  on  a small  brig,  the  Concei^ao,  intending  to  make  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  with 
the  ultimate  object  of  reaching  Brazil.  Before  arriving  at  their  destination,  they  were  taken 
prisoners  by  the  French  and  sent  to  the  Isle  de  France.  Here,  in  the  garden  Gabrielle, 
was  a valuable  botanical  collection,  introduced  by  Poivre  and  Menouvilles;  Luiz  de  Abreu, 
who  had  successfully  arranged  a plan  of  escape,  managed,  with  the  aid  of  friends,  to 
secure  a number  of  fine  specimens,  which,  after  many  dangers  and  sacrifices,  he  trans- 
ported to  Rio,  offering  them  as  a gift  to  the  Regent  Dom  Joao,  who  ordered  them  to  be 
planted  in  the  Real  Horto.  Most  important  among  the  varieties  of  this  collection  was  the 
seed  of  the  royal  palm.  With  elaborate  ceremony  the  Regent  planted  the  first  royal 


STREET  LEADING  TO  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN. 


palm  tree  in  Brazil,  from  the  seed  of  which  originated  all  the  trees  of  this  species  that 
now  grow  in  Brazilian  parks  and  gardens.  This  tree  is  still  a conspicuous  feature  of  the 


THE  SUBURBS  OF  RIO  AND  THE  BOTANICAL  GARDEN 


1 6 1 


Garden,  a tall,  slender  shaft  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  feet  high,  with  a pretty  tuft  of 
green  capping  its  summit. 

In  1812,  the  first  experiment  was  made  in  raising  tea,  the  seeds  having  been  brought 
into  the  country  by  Captain  Joaquim  Epiphanio  de  Vasconcellos,  of  the  ship  Uulcano.  A 
tea  plantation  was  started  on  a large  scale, 

Dom  Joao  introducing  a Chinese  colony  to 
teach  the  proper  cultivation  of  this  product. 

When  Brazil  was  made  a kingdom,  the  Real 
Horto  was  renamed  the  Real  Jardim  Botanico, 
and  annexed  to  the  National  Museum,  under 
the  administration  of  which  it  remained  until 
1822,  when  it  was  transferred  to  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Interior  and  afterward  to  the 
“Ministerio  do  Imperio.”  In  i860,  it  passed 
into  the  hands  of  the  “ Instituto  Fluminense 
de  Agricultural  The  decree  instituting  the 
Real  Jardim  Botanico  announced  its  adminis- 
tration to  be  a charge  upon  the  royal  treas- 
ury. At  the  same  time,  in  order  to  extend 
the  work  of  acclimatization,  affiliated  gar- 
dens were  established  in  Pernambuco,  Bahia, 

Minas  Geraes,  and  Sao  Paulo,  the  direction 
of  the  garden  in  Sao  Paulo  being  given  to 
Dr.  Joao  Baptista  Badaro,  a celebrated  bota- 
nist of  Geneva,  who  had  made  scientific 
studies  and  excursions  in  Lombardy,  Sardinia,  and  Mont  Cenis.  The  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  I. 
continued  the  work  so  admirably  begun  by  his  father,  and  appointed  as  the  first  botanical 
director  of  the  Garden  Friar  Leandro  do  Sacramento,  a learned  botanist  of  international 
repute,  who  made  a complete  catalogue  of  the  plants,  and  in  other  ways  systematized 
and  improved  the  methods  of  the  institution.  Such  careful  attention  was  given  to  the 
cultivation  of  tea,  that  for  a time  the  Jardim  Botanico  furnished  all  the  tea  that  was  used  in 
the  city  of  Rio  de  Janeiro.  He  extended  the  area  of  the  Garden  under  cultivation,  filled 
up  the  hollow  places  of  the  ground,  fashioned  the  beautiful  lake  so  attractive  to  visitors 
to-day,  also  the  cascades;  laid  out  the  broad  avenues  and  embowered  alleys,  constructed 
artificial  mounds  and  grottoes;  distributed  plants  and  seeds  to  the  gardens  of  Para,  Pernam- 
buco, and  Bahia,  and  exchanged  with  the  Botanical  Garden  of  Cambridge,  England,  several 
important  specimens.  A handsome  monument,  erected  in  memory  of  this  great  man, 
occupies  a prominent  place  in  the  garden.  When  the  Botanical  Garden  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  Agricultural  Society,  in  i860,  efforts  were  immediately  directed  toward  enlarg- 
ing the  scope  of  the  institution,  and  Dr.  Karl  Glasl,  professor  of  agriculture  in  Vienna,  Austria, 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


1 6 2 

was  invited  to  direct  a school  of  agriculture  and  a normal  fazenda  to  be  founded  in  con- 
nection with  it,  the  Fazenda  do  Macaco  in  the  vicinity  being  appropriated  for  the  latter 
purpose.  A chemical  laboratory  was  also  established,  and  a magazine,  the  Revista  Agricola , 
was  published  by  the  Agricultural  Society. 

The  library  of  the  Botanical  Garden  is  enriched  from  year  to  year  by  the  acquisition  of 
valuable  works  on  botany  and  horticulture,  many  of  them  being  contributed  by  Dr.  Barbosa 
Rodrigues,  whose  indefatigable  studies  of  the  flora  of  his  country  has  already  been  noticed. 
Pamphlets  relating  to  the  culture  and  care  of  plants  are  scattered  throughout  the  country, 
and,  during  the  year  1906,  not  only  were  large  quantities  of  seeds  sent  out  to  the  agricul- 
tural communities,  but  thousands  of  fruit  trees,  shade  trees,  and  ornamental  plants  were 
distributed  by  the  administration.  One  hundred  thousand  people  visit  the  Botanical 
Garden  annually. 


THE  BAMBOOS,  BOTANICAL  GARDEN. 


PE.  ACE  AND  CONCORD.  ALLEGORICAL  PAINTING  RY  PEDRO  A ME  RICO. 


CHAPTER  IX 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITtRATURt 

* 

DRAZIL  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  her 
^ contribution  to  the  sum  of  intellectual 
accomplishment  in  the  western  hemisphere, 
which  has  produced  no  greater  composer 
than  Carlos  Gomes,  no  greater  sculptor  than 
Rodolpho  Bernardelli,  no  greater  dramatist 
than  Jose  Alencar.  None  of  the  American 
poets  have  sung  sweeter  songs  to  softer 
music  than  the  gifted  but  unfortunate  Gon- 
galves  Dias.  Whether  in  music,  art,  or  liter- 
ature, Brazil  is  equally  prepared  to  establish 
her  right  to  an  honorable  position.  Music  is 
a passion  with  the  Brazilians,  who  are  gifted 
with  exceptional  talent  in  musical  composi- 
tion and  its  interpretation.  They  are  particu- 
larly devoted  to  the  Italian  masters.  The 
librettos  of  the  operas  of  Carlos  Gomes  are 
in  Italian,  and  Italian  opera  furnishes  the 
favorite  subjects  in  all  the  theatres  throughout  the  country.  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Sao  Paulo, 
Bahia,  Pernambuco,  Para,  and  Manaos  have  grand-opera  houses  visited  every  season  by 
noted  European  artists. 

The  first  great  musical  composer  on  the  American  continent,  Carlos  Gomes,  the  creator 
of  the  Brazilian  opera,  achieved  a distinction  among  the  living  masters  of  musical  composi- 
tion sufficient  to  place  his  name  in  the  same  rank  as  Rossini,  Verdi,  Meyerbeer,  Bellini,  and 
Donizetti.  The  story  of  his  life  is  similar  to  the  record  of  many  men  of  genius  who  have 
earned  the  laurels  of  fame  at  the  cost  of  much  privation  and  sacrifice.  A Brazilian,  as  were 

his  ancestors  for  several  generations,  the  distinguished  composer  was  a Paulista  by  birth,  his 

165 


STATUE  OF  JOSE  BONIFACIO  DE  ANDRADA. 


1 66 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


native  city  being  Campinas.  He  was  born  in  1839,  and  at  a very  early  age  gave  evidence 
of  wonderful  genius,  which  was  fostered  and  encouraged  by  his  father,  a musician  and 
composer.  Before  reaching  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  was  a favorite  in  the  musical  entertain- 
ments of  his  native  town,  where  his  excellent  interpretation  of  the  best  composers  and  his 
splendid  soprano  voice  won  enthusiastic  praises.  It  is  said  that  the  inspiration  to  compose 
music  came  to  him  upon  seeing,  for  the  first  time,  the  opera  It  Trovatore.  As  soon  as  an 
opportunity  presented  itself,  he  entered  the  Musical  Conservatory  at  Rio,  where  he  became 
an  indefatigable  student.  At  the  age  of  twenty,  he  composed  the  music  for  a college  song 
written  by  one  of  the  students  of  the  University  of  Sao  Paulo,  Senhor  Bittencourt  Sampaio, 
which  has  been  popular  ever  since;  he  also  wrote  several  modinhas  that  are  still  sung 
everywhere  in  Brazil.  In  1867,  at  La  Scala  in  Milan,  he  gave  to  the  world  his  masterpiece, 
the  grand  opera  O Guarany , taken  from  Alencar’s  celebrated  romance  of  the  same  name, 
which  presents  a story  of  the  Indians  of  Brazil,  that,  for  thrilling  interest,  compares  favor- 
ably with  Verdi’s  Aida.  So  great  was  the  fame  of  the  young  composer  in  the  years  that 
followed  the  appearance  of  his  chef-d’oeuvre,  that  some  of  his  operas  took  precedence  in 
popular  favor  for  a time  over  those  of  the  greatest  living  masters  in  Europe.  His  Fosca  was 
performed  fifteen  times  during  the  grand-opera  season  of  1872  at  Milan,  whereas  Verdi’s 
Aida  was  presented  on  but  six  occasions;  his  Salvator  Rosa  and  Maria  Tudor  have  been 
counted  among  the  greatest  successes  in  Italian  opera.  He  was  the  composer  of  the 
triumphal  hymn  for  the  United  States  Centennial  Exposition.  Though  he  may  be  said  to 
follow  the  Italian  school,  there  is  a certain  flavor  of  western  freshness  and  novelty  in  his 
treatment  that  does  not  belong  to  the  European  masters.  Returning  to  his  native  land,  after 
triumphs  that  had  made  him  famous  throughout  two  continents,  Carlos  Gomes  took  charge 
of  the  Musical  Conservatory  of  Para,  where  he  died  in  1898. 

Brazil,  however,  had  produced,  nearly  a century  before  the  birth  of  Carlos  Gomes,  a 
musical  genius  in  the  person  of  Jose  Mauricio  Nunes  Garcia.  He  was  first  brought  into 
prominence  after  the  arrival  of  King  Dom  Joao  VI.  in  Brazil.  In  the  royal  retinue  was  the 
musician  and  composer,  Marcos  Portugal,  author  of  the  composition  known  in  all  lands  as 
the  Portuguese  Hymn.  This  distinguished  celebrity  came  as  royal  chapel-master  to  the 
king,  who  was  very  fond  of  music,  and  much  given  to  the  celebration  of  pompous  religious 
ceremonies,  and  it  was  through  the  maestro’s  influence  that  the  young  Brazilian  was  first 
presented  to  the  king,  who  immediately  recognized  his  wonderful  gift.  From  the  accounts 
of  his  biographers,  Jose  Mauricio  was  a self-educated  musician  and  composer,  having  enjoyed 
few,  if  any,  of  the  advantages  of  instruction.  He  was  too  poor  to  provide  himself  with  a 
harpsichord,  and  it  is  said  that  when  giving  lessons,  bv  which  he  earned  a livelihood,  he 
was  at  first  obliged  to  accompany  the  solfeggios  with  a banjo  arranged  with  metallic 
strings.  His  financial  affairs  were,  however,  improved  considerably  by  his  appointment 
to  the  office  of  musical  director  of  the  cathedral  in  Rio,  though  he  continued  his  teaching, 
giving  lessons  at  home  to  a class  of  free  pupils  for  thirty-eight  years.  His  students  used 
to  wear  a red  and  blue  cockade  in  their  hats,  and  were  exempt  from  military  service.  When 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


167 

the  king  returned  to  Lisbon,  he  invited  Jose  Mauricio  to  accompany  him,  but  the  musician 
would  not  leave  his  native  land.  He  composed  some  notable  pieces  of  sacred  music,  among 
them  the  Funeral  Symphony, — which  was  executed  at  his  own  burial, — Requiem,  Te  Denm, 
and  other  works.  He  was  born  in  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes  about  1742,  and  died  in 
Rio  in  1831. 

A pupil  of  Jose  Mauricio,  Francisco  Manoel  da  Silva,  was  the  founder  of  the  Conserva- 
tory of  Music  at  Rio.  His  compositions  were  very  popular,  and  he  had  the  good  fortune  to 
number  among  his  pupils  the  great  musician  and  composer  Carlos  Gomes.  The  National 
Conservatory  of  Music  in  Rio,  founded  in  1833,  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  educa- 
tion of  Brazilian  musicians.  It  is  now  called  the  National  Institute  of  Music  and  is  in  a more 
flourishing  condition  than  at  any  previous  time  in  its  history.  Henrique  Oswaldo,  until 


THE  BRAZILIAN  ACADEMY  OF  LETTERS. 


recently  director,  is  a composer  of  international  reputation,  whose  musical  education  began 
in  Sao  Paulo  and  was  completed  in  Florence,  Italy,  under  Grozzoni,  of  the  Florentine  Musical 
Institute.  His  composition  II  Neige,  won  the  prize  in  an  international  contest  held  in  Paris, 
in  which  six  hundred  composers  competed;  the  decision  in  its  favor  was  without  a dissenting 
vote,  Saint-Saens  being  the  most  enthusiastic  of  the  judges  in  conferring  upon  this  exquisite 
gem  the  premium  of  superiority.  The  musical  genius  of  Henrique  Oswaldo  is  versatile,  his 
compositions  are  about  fifty  in  number,  and  include  sonatas,  concertos,  symphonies  for  grand 
orchestra,  and  a great  variety  of  pieces  for  stringed  instruments,  as  well  as  for  the  piano. 

The  present  director  of  the  National  Institute  of  Music,  Alberto  Nepomuceno,  is  one  of 
the  greatest  composers  of  America,  a worthy  successor  to  the  immortal  Carlos  Gomes.  His 
operas  Electro,  Riberto,  and  Artemis  have  proved  notable  successes  in  Europe  and  Brazil, 


i68 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Electra  having  been  performed  in  Paris,  Riberto  in  Vienna  and  Artemis  in  Rio.  Alberto 
Nepomuceno  is  a native  of  Ceara,  where  he  was  born  in  1864,  the  son  of  a well-known 

Brazilian  musician,  Victor  Nepomuceno.  In 
addition  to  his  operas,  the  author  has  written 
many  charming  morceaux  for  the  piano  and 
a number  of  compositions  for  the  orchestra. 
By  the  recent  death  of  Leopoldo  Miguez, 
the  Institute  lost  one  of  its  most  brilliant 
members,  who  was  director  for  several 
years,  and  contributed  greatly  to  its  ad- 
vancement and  prestige.  He  was  a com- 
poser of  rare  and  powerful  genius.  A 

Brazilian  musician,  Francisco  Braga,  is  the 
author  of  the  new  opera,  Jupyra,  which 
was  recently  performed  with  notable  suc- 
cess in  the  Imperial  Theatre  of  Munich. 
Meneleo  Campos,  the  successor  of  Carlos 
Gomes  as  director  of  the  Para  Conserva- 
tory, has  made  valuable  contributions  to 
Brazilian  music,  among  others  a funeral 
march  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  his 
illustrious  predecessor.  The  composers 

Carlos  de  Mesquita,  Francisco  Alfredo  Bev- 
ilaqua,  as  well  as  the  inspired  violinist,  Jose 
Augusto  de  Souza  Lima,  and  the  famous  pianist,  Donna  Fanny  Guimaraes,  are  noted 
musicians  who  have  contributed  greatly  to  the  advancement  of  musical  culture  in  Brazil. 
In  comic  opera,  no  composer  has  won  greater  popularity  than  Abdon  Milanez,  a native 
of  Parahyba,  whose  music  is  heard  in  every  city  and  town  of  the  republic.  His  muse 

is  essentially  gay  and  lively,  and  the  titles  of  his  operas  suggest  the  spirit  in  which  they 

are  composed.  The  librettos,  written  by  well-known  Brazilian  poets,  are  replete  with  wit 
and  satire.  A Loteria  do  Amor  (The  Lottery  of  Love),  Donpella  Theodora,  A Dama  de 
Espadas,  (The  Queen  of  Spades),  O Bico  de  Papagaio , (The  Parrot’s  Beak),  and  at  least  a 
dozen  more,  are  as  familiar  to  Brazilian  playgoers  as  are  The  Mikado  and  The  Belle  op  New 
York  to  English  and  American  audiences. 

Music  and  painting  have  flourished  side  by  side  in  Brazil,  the  history  of  both  dating 
from  about  the  same  period,  that  of  the  establishment  of  the  Portuguese  Court  at  Rio,  early 
in  the  nineteenth  century.  Soon  after  his  arrival,  King  Dorn  Joao  VI.  gave  his  royal  sanction 
to  the  organization  of  a school  of  fine  arts  under  the  direction  of  some  of  the  most  celebrated 
teachers  in  Europe.  Prior  to  that  time,  only  a few  works  of  art  had  been  produced  to  which 
Brazil  could  point  with  pride.  Among  the  earliest  of  these  were  the  landscapes  of  two 


GONSALVES  DIAS. 


MUSIC , ART , AND  LITERATURE 


169 


Dutch  painters  who  flourished  during  the  seventeenth  century  while  the  northern  part  of 
Brazil  was  in  possession  of  Holland.  In  the  eighteenth  century,  Jose  Leandro  de  Carvalho, 
born  at  Rio,  was  the  first  Brazilian  artist  of  note,  succeeded  by  Jose  de  Oliveira,  Joao  de 
Sousa,  Raymundo  da  Costa,  Manoel  Dias  de  Oliveira  Braziliense,  and  others.  The  founding 
of  the  school  of  fine  arts  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  contributed  greatly  to  the  development  of  artistic 
talent.  Among  the  distinguished  pupils  of  this  school  were  Simplicio  de  Sa,  painting-master 
to  the  Emperor  Dorn  Pedro  II.,  and  Correa  de  Lima,  whose  pupils  numbered  some  of  the 
greatest  painters  of  Brazil,  including  the  celebrated  historical  painter  De  Mello  Corte-Real, 
Victor  Meirelles,  who  painted  The  First  Mass  in  Brazil,  The  First  Battle  of  Guararapes,  The 
Naval  Battle  of  Riachmlo,  Passage  of  Humayta,  and  other  famous  canvases,  and  Pedro 
Americo  de  Figueiredo,  to  whose  genius  Brazil  owes  several  of  her  best  creations  on  canvas. 
This  institution,  now  known  under  the  name  of  the  Escola  National  de  Bellas  Artes,  has 
among  its  present  members  the  famous  sculptor  Rodolpho  Bernardelli,  who  is  its  president; 
and  whose  works  are  known  and  admired  both  in  Europe  and  America,  the  handsomest 
monuments  of  Rio  being  evidences  of  his  genius.  He  is  best  known  abroad  through  his 
Christ  and  the  Sinning  Woman  and  The  Coquette.  The  monument  of  Pedro  Alvares  Cabral 
and  the  statues  of  the  Duke  de  Caxias,  General  Osorio,  and  Jose  de  Alencar,  are  among 
his  best  works.  Correa  Lima,  a 
pupil  of  Bernardelli,  is  a young- 
sculptor  of  great  promise,  who 
has  already  produced  striking 
evidences  of  superior  talent  in  a 
number  of  groups  and  figures. 

His  Mater  Dolorosa , Remorse , 
and  St.  John  the  Baptist , reveal 
his  strong  individuality  and  true 
genius.  Donna  Nicolina  de 
Assis,  of  Sao  Paulo,  is  a sculp- 
tress of  undeniable  genius  and 
power.  In  painting,  Henrique 
Bernardelli,  the  brother  of  the 
sculptor,  has  achieved  distinc- 
tion as  the  author  of  several 
works  of  exceptional  merit. 

Jose  Mauri cio  before  the  King , 

Madonna , Extasis,  and  Cnmnlos 
are  paintings  which  indicate  not 
only  power  but  great  versatility. 

In  the  painting  of  historical  and  allegorical  subjects,  no  artist  of  the  New  World 
excelled  the  illustrious  Brazilian,  Pedro  Americo  de  Figueiredo,  whose  death  at  Florence, 


THE  OLD  NATIONAL  LIBRARY,  FOUNDED  BY  KING  DOM  JOAO  VI. 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


170 

Italy,  October  7,  igoj,  was  a calamity  not  only  to  the  nation  honored  through  his  genius, 
but  to  the  world  of  art,  represented  in  all  lands,  which  loses  in  him  one  of  its  most  gifted 


THE  NEW  NATIONAL  LIBRARY  IN  THE  AVENIDA  CENTRAL. 


sons.  His  last  great  work  was  the  allegorical  painting  Pap  e Concordia  (Peace  and  Concord), 
which  has  been  purchased  by  the  Brazilian  government  and  now  hangs  in  a salon  of 
Itamaraty  Palace,-  the  Foreign  Office.  The  allegory  is  conveyed  with  artistic  effect.  In 
front  of  the  temple  Pap  e Concordia , a figure  representing  the  Brazilian  nation  advances 
in  the  pathway  illumined  by  civilization,  to  meet  the  principal  nations  of  the  world  that 
come  to  honor  her,  led  by  the  United  States,  the  strongest  and  most  enlightened  power  of 
America.  Vestals  sing  a chorus  of  peace,  history  records  a memorable  date  (the  arbitration 
treaty  of  Berne),  poetry  celebrates  the  joyous  occasion  with  her  lyre,  and  the  arts,  repre- 
sented by  painting  and  sculpture,  in  suppliant  attitude,  attract  the  attention  of  the  gracious 
arbiter  of  their  fortune.  In  the  last-named  figures,  the  heart  of  the  painter  is  revealed,  his 
greatest  aspiration  having  been  to  advance  the  interests  of  art  in  his  beloved  country,  by 
stimulating  in  the  Brazilian  people  a high  appreciation  of  artistic  culture.  Among  other 
paintings  which  have  contributed  to  the  renown  of  Pedro  Americo  are  his  Honor  and 
Country  and  Ypiranga,  the  latter  representing  the  scene  on  the  hunting-ground  near  Sao 
Paulo,  when  Dorn  Pedro  I.  made  the  famous  proclamation  of  the  independence  of  Brazil, 
raising  his  sword  with  the  battle  cry,  “ Independence  011  Morte!” 

As  a painter  of  historical,  and  particularly  of  Biblical  subjects,  Rodolpho  Amoedo  has 
produced  several  famous  pictures,  especially  O Tamoyo,  The  Departure  of  Jacob,  The  Death 
of  Abet,  and  The  Story  of  Phitetus,  in  which  he  has  expressed  great  dramatic  force  and 
artistic  appreciation.  Pedro  Weingartner,  a native  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  is  unsurpassed  in 
genre,  his  Oblique  Lines  having  a touch  of  humor  which  gives  additional  effectiveness  to 


MUSIC , ART , ,4/VD  LITERATURE 


171 


the  study  of  character,  while  his  Country  Balt  is  charming  in  its  natural  expression.  Modesto 
Brocos  is  one  of  the  most  versatile  of  artists,  producing  portraits,  landscapes,  and  figures,  as 
well  as  genre,  his  painting  Manioc , an  excellent  composition,  demonstrating  both  artistic 
judgment  and  sound  academical  training. 

D’ Almeida,  author  of  During  the  Rest,  has 
painted  a delightful  study  in  pose  and  ex- 
pression, the  model  enjoying  a little  coquetry 
during  the  relaxation,  which  seems  thor- 
oughly appreciated  by  the  artist.  Decio  Vil- 
lares,  Baptista  da  Costa,  Maria  da  Cun  ha 
Vasco,  Antonio  Parreiras,  Arsenio  da  Silva, 

Aurelio  de  Figueiredo,  Agostinho  da  Motta, 

Abigail  de  Andrade,  and  Bertha  Worms,  are 
prominent  artists  whose  paintings  are  well 
known  to  connoisseurs  and  have  won  pre- 
miums in  the  great  salons.  The  Academy 
has  a rich  collection  of  celebrated  paintings, 
more  than  five  hundred,  both  ancient  and 
modern  ; the  most  valuable  of  these  include 
canvases  by  Velasquez,  Van  Dyck,  Michael 
Angelo,  Correggio,  and  Paul  Veronese. 

While  the  intellectual  culture  of  Brazil 
has  found  expression  in  the  development  of 
a high  standard  of  expression  in  music  and 
art,  it  is  in  her  literature  more  particularly 
that  the  mode  of  thought  and  the  sentiment 
of  the  nation  are  to  be  divined  and  appre- 
ciated. In  the  course  of  the  centuries  the 
evolution  of  Brazilian  literature  has  been 
marked  by  various  influences,  native  and 
foreign.  In  the  early  colonial  days  it  was 
distinctively  Portuguese  in  character,  with 
scarcely  a touch  of  Brazilian  coloring.  Bento 
Teixeira  Pinto  was  the  first  Brazilian  writer 
of  note;  he  flourished  in  the  latter  part  of 
the  sixteenth  century,  and  published  many 
works  in  both  poetry  and  prose.  In  the 
seventeenth  century,  the  brothers  Euzebio 

and  Gregorio  de  Mattos,  of  Bahia,  wrote  a number  of  important  works,  the  latter  being 
known  as  the  “Brazilian  Rabelais.”  Among  their  contemporaries  were  Botelho  de  Oliveira, 


BERNARDELLI  MODELLING  THE  BUST  OF  DR.  PASSOS. 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


172 


PEDRO  AMER1CO. 


Diogo  Gomes  Carneiro,  who  enjoyed  a royal  pension 
as  the  chronicler-general  of  Brazil,  Rocha  Pitta,  the  first 
historian  of  note,  and  the  dramatist  Jose  Borges  de 
Barros.  The  eighteenth  century  produced  the  famous 
dramatist  Antonio  Jose  da  Silva,  who  was  born  at  Rio 
de  Janeiro,  in  1705;,  but  early  removed  to  Lisbon,  where 
he  became  the  principal  humorous  writer  for  the  Portu- 
guese theatre  during  his  day.  He  fell  a victim  to  the 
Inquisition  in  1739. 

The  first  writers  to  develop  a distinctively  Brazilian 
character  in  their  productions  were  the  poets  of  the 
“Arcadia  Ultramarina,”  a literary  society  founded  during 
the  last  quarter  of  the  eighteenth  century,  at  Rio  de 
Janeiro,  by  Jose  Basilio  da  Gama  and  Silva  Alva- 
renga,  the  latter  a protege  of  the  viceroy  Dom  Luiz  de 
Vasconcellos  e Souza,  whose  kindness, 
aided  by  the  efforts  of  Bishop  Castello 
Branco,  had  made  it  possible  to  es- 
tablish such  an  institution.  Modelled 
after  similar  societies  in  Europe,  it  was 
an  influential  organization  in  the  early 
history  of  Brazilian  literature,  num- 
bering among  its  members  all  the 
writers  of  talent  in  Rio  during  that 
period,  and  the  leading  poets  of  Minas 
Geraes,  Jose  de  Santa  Rita  Durao, 

Claudio  Manoel  da  Costa,  Alvarenga 
Peixoto,  and  Thomaz  Antonio  Gon- 
zaga — the  Minas  poets  forming  also  a 
celebrated  literary  society  known  as 
the  Escola  de  ML  ms,  or  the  Minas 
school  of  poets. 

The  little  group  of  Minas  poets 
includes  many  names  famous  in  Bra- 
zilian history,  not  alone  for  their  con- 
tributions to  its  poetry,  but  also  for 
their  share  in  its  first  effort  for  inde- 
pendence. In  the  Minas  school  of 
poets  was  born  the  first  purely  na- 
tional and  patriotic  poetry  in  Brazil.  honor  and  country,  by  pedro  americo. 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


m 


Thomaz  Antonio  Gonzaga,  best  known  under  the 
poetic  name  of  “Dirceu,”  the  Brazilian  Petrarch, 
was  the  chief  of  the  Minas  poets.  His  impas- 
sioned verses  to  “Marilia”  are  known  by  heart  to 
every  lover  of  poetry  in  Brazil.  In  the  charm  of 
their  imagery,  their  loving  tone,  the  harmony  of 
diction,  and  the  beauty  of  versification  revealed  in 
them,  these  poems  of  Dirceu  to  Marilia  rank  with 
the  most  charming  in  the  Portuguese  language. 

Brazilian  literature  is  especially  rich  in  poetry 
and  romance.  Sentiments  of  patriotism,  friend- 
ship, love,  or  sorrow  are  expressed  with  thrilling 
feeling  in  its  impassioned  verse.  The  Song  of  the 
Exile,  written  by  the  best  known  and  best  loved 
of  Brazilian  poets,  Gonsalves  Dias,  is  a poetic 
gem  of  rare  beauty.  It  is  the  Home,  Sweet  Home! 
of  the  Brazilian  people,  and  is  quoted  oftener  than 
any  other  poem  in  the  language.  No  translation 
has  been  made  which  in  any  sense  reveals  the 
exquisite  delicacy  of  touch  in  the  original  or  its  plaintive  rhythmic  melody,  though  many 
attempts  have  been  made  to  put  it  into  English  and  other  languages.  Throughout  the  six 
stanzas  of  which  it  is  composed,  the  little  poem  voices  a heart  cry  of  homesickness,  or,  as 
the  Brazilian  would  say,  of  saudades.  After  recounting,  with  childlike  simplicity,  the  charm 
of  his  native  land,  its  palm  trees,  and  the  sweet-voiced  sabia,  the  favorite  songbird  of 
Brazil,  he  prays  with  touching  pathos  to  be  spared  to  return,  that  he  may  once  more  see 
its  glorious  palms  and  hear  the  sabia  sing.  The  first  two  stanzas  are  particularly  musical : 

“ Minlia  terra  tern  palmeiras 
Onde  canta  o sabia; 

As  aves  que  aq'ui  gorgeam 
Nao  gorgeam  como  la: 

“ Nosso  ceo  tem  mais  estrellas, 

Nossas  varzeas  tem  mais  flores, 

Nossas  flores  tem  mais  vida, 

Nossa  vida  mais  amores.” 


Gonsalves  Dias  was  born  in  the  town  of  Caxias,  State  of  Maranhao,  on  the  2d  of 
August,  1824;  he  was  educated  at  Coimbra  University,  in  Portugal,  and  graduated  with  the 
degree  of  Bachelor  of  Laws.  At  the  time  of  the  appearance  of  his  first  collection  of  poems, 
he  occupied  the  chair  of  Brazilian  history  in  the  Imperial  College  of  Pedro  II.  at  Rio  de 
Janeiro.  In  these  poems  many  incidents  in  the  history  of  Brazil  were  used  as  material,  and 


174 


THE  HEM/  BRAZIL 


most  of  them  have  a distinctively  American  character.  They  were  received  by  the  Brazilian 
and  the  European  public  with  immediate  appreciation,  the  celebrated  Portuguese  author 
Herculano  especially  praising  one  of  them,  entitled  Her  Eyes,  as  “the  most  delicious  lyrical 
composition  which  1 have  read  in  my  life.”  Recognizing  his  literary  ability,  the  Brazilian 
government  sent  the  poet  to  Europe,  commissioned  to  collect  manuscripts  and  documents 
relative  to  the  history  of  Brazil.  During  his  stay  abroad,  he  wrote  Os  Tymbiras,  published 
in  Leipzig,  and  sixteen  new  poems,  afterward  collected  and  published  in  a second  volume 
of  verse.  He  also  wrote  a Dictionary  of  the  Titpy  Language.  On  his  return  to  Brazil,  he 


THE  COUNTRY  BALL.  BY  PEDRO  WEINGARTNER. 

joined  a scientific  commission  of  exploration,  and  made  a voyage  up  the  Amazon,  gathering 
much  valuable  material,  but  at  the  expense  of  his  health,  which  was  completely  broken 
down  when  he  returned  to  Rio  the  following  year.  He  never  recovered  strength  from  that 
time,  though  he  lived  for  three  years  longer,  a constant  sufferer,  but  an  indefatigable  worker 
as  long  as  it  was  possible  for  him  to  hold  a pen.  As  a last  hope,  a second  voyage  to  Europe 
was  decided  upon  by  his  friends  and  medical  advisers,  and  in  1862  he  sailed  from  Pernam- 
buco for  Lisbon.  While  in  Lisbon,  he  translated  Schiller’s  Bride  of  Messina  and  added  ten 
cantos  to  his  poem  Os  Tvnibiras.  But  his  strength  rapidly  failing,  he  begged  to  be  taken 
home  to  his  native  land,  that  he  might  die  among  her  “palmeiras,”  within  the  sound  of  the 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


'75 


“sabia’s  song,”  under  the  blue  skies  of  his  be- 
loved Brazil.  The  inspired  poet  seems  to  have 
had  a prophetic  vision  of  the  fate  that  awaited 
him,  for  in  one  of  his  poems  he  wrote:  “Adieu 
to  my  friends  of  Maranhaol  so  departs  the  exile; 
some  day  the  waves  will  toss  his  remains  up  on 
the  sands  of  the  beloved  shore  whence  so  lately 
he  has  taken  his  departure,  and  where  the  cold 
ashes  seek  a resting-place.”  And  the  mournful 
prediction  was  verified.  The  vessel  in  which  he 
took  passage  was  wrecked,  and  when  the  cap- 
tain went  to  the  cabin  to  rescue  the  poet,  he 
found  that  he  had  expired.  The  ship  sank  on 
November  3,  1864,  carrying  to  the  mysterious 
depths  of  the  sea  the  mortal  remains  of  one  of 

the  most  gifted  poets  of  his  day.  Of  poets  contemporary  with  Gongalves  Dias,  several 
names  stand  out  prominently  among  the  many  successful  writers  of  this  period:  Domingos 


THE  BERNARDELL1  BROTHERS. 


MANIOC.  BY  MODESTO  BROCOS. 


176 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


DURING  THE  REST.  BY  FERRAZ  D'ALMEIDA. 

Portuguese  language;  Odorico  Mendes 
made  excellent  translations  of  Homer 
and  Virgil.  Some  of  the  chief  political 
leaders  under  the  empire  contributed 
also  to  the  national  poetry.  Dom 
Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada  wrote  a 
masterpiece  in  Poesias  Avulsas  de 
Americo  Elysio,  which  was  published 
during  his  exile  in  France  in  1827. 

Although  the  printing  press  was 
established  in  Brazil  in  1808,  its  use 
was  for  a long  time  limited  to  the 
royal  patronage,  and  the  works  pub- 
lished were  chiefly  official  documents, 
educational  works,  religious  pam- 
phlets, and  poetry.  Journalism  of  an 
independent  character  dates  only  from 
the  time  when  the  great  national  agi- 
tation began  in  favor  of  independence; 
and  it  was  not  until  1838,  when  the 
Brazilian  Historical  and  Geographical 
Institute  was  founded,  and  its  Review 
established,  that  the  literature  of  the 


Jose  Gonpalves  de  Magal- 
haes  wrote  verses  distin- 
guished for  their  lofty 
patriotic  sentiment;  Araujo 
Porto-Alegre,  Baron  of  San 
Angelo,  is  best  known  by 
his  epic  on  Columbus; 
Castro  Alves,  a Bahian,  has 
been  compared  to  Hugo  for 
the  vigor  and  fire  of  his 
style  when  portraying  the 
misfortunes  of  the  slaves 
and  the  evils  of  serf- 
dom ; Alvares  de  Azevedo 
and  Casimiro  de  Abreu 
are  counted  among  the 
best  lyric  poets  of  the 


CARLOS  GOMES. 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


177 


country  began  to  develop  on  a broad 
basis  of  culture,  largely  due  to  the 
efforts  of  this  association,  which  for 
three-fourths  of  a century  has  con- 
tinued to  exert  a beneficent  influence 
on  the  intellectual  life  of  the  nation. 

Taking  history  and  geography  as  the 
main  subjects  of  study,  the  Institute 
embraced  in  its  purpose  a knowledge 
of  everything  relating  to  Brazil,  in- 
cluding its  ethnology  and  sociology. 

This  opened  the  pathway  for  literary 
enterprise  of  the  most  ambitious 
scope,  and  within  a few  years  the 
national  literature  began  to  be  en- 
riched by  prose  works  of  great  value. 

Prior  to  this  time,  the  most  important 
scientific  work  by  a Brazilian  author 
was  the  Flora  Fluminense,  written 
toward  the  close  of  the  eighteenth 
century,  by  the  celebrated  botanist, 

Friar  Velloso.  This  work  has  been  DR-  machado  de  assis. 

universally  quoted  by  botanists  in 

treating  of  South  American  plants.  About  the  same  time,  Moraes  e Silva  gave  to  the  people 
his  Dictionary  of  the  Portuguese  Language.  The  Historical  and  Geographical  Institute  has 
always  counted  among  its  active  members  the  most  eminent  scholars  of  Brazil,  its  asso- 
ciate members  including  geographers  and  historians  from  all  lands  who  have  contributed 
to  the  advancement  of  its  interests  by  exploration  and  study  in  Brazil.  The  present  presi- 
dent, the  Marquis  de  Paranagua,  was  one  of  the  leading  statesmen  of  the  empire.  He  is 
a scientist  of  international  reputation. 

Prominent  among  Brazilian  historians  are  the  well-known  authorities,  Francisco  Adolpho 
de  Varnhagen,  Viscount  de  Porto-Seguro,  whose  General  History  of  Brazil  is  regarded  as  a 
complete  and  impartial  work;  the  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  the  greatest  living  authority  on 
Brazilian  history;  Macedo,  author  of  the  most  popular  history  of  Brazil;  Joaquim  Caetano 
da  Silva,  Teixeira  de  Mello,  Candido  Mendes,  Homem  de  Mello,  Moreira  Pinto,  Pereira  da 
Silva,  Joao  Lisboa,  Mello  Moraes,  and  Joaquim  Norberto,  writers  who  have  contributed 
invaluable  works  to  historical  literature,  not  only  of  importance  to  Brazil,  but  to  the  whole 
world,  which  reaps  the  benefit  of  their  study  and  research.  Valuable  contributions  to 
scientific  literature  have  also  been  made  by  Dr.  Couto  de  Magalhaes,  author  of  many  learned 
treatises  on  ethnology  and  archaeology,  who  has  few  superiors  in  scientific  knowledge  in 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


178 


any  country;  by  Dr.  Barbosa  Rodrigues,  director  of  the  Botanical  Garden  at  Rio,  author  of 
important  works  on  anthropology,  ethnology,  and  botany;  and  Dr.  Joao  Baptista  da  Lacerda, 

director  of  the  National  Museum.  Ferreira  Penna, 
Ladislao  Netto,  Sotero  dos  Reis,  Julio  Ribeiro,  and 
Peixoto  are  among  the  well-known  writers  on 
science  and  philosophy. 

The  literature  of  fiction  did  not  develop  in  Brazil 
until  toward  the  middle  of  the  last  century  a group 
of  writers  devoted  their  talent  to  prose  romance  and 
the  drama,  in  addition  to  poetry.  The  most  cele- 
brated of  these  romancists  were  Jose  de  Alencar  and 
Joaquim  de  Macedo.  The  Guarany  of  Alencar  has 
passed  through  several  editions,  has  been  translated 

into  many  lan- 
guages, and  was, 
as  has  been  said 
previously,  the 
subject  of  Carlos 
Gomes’s  famous 
opera  O Guarany. 
Both  his  Guarany 
and  his  celebrated 
prose  poem  Im- 
cema  are  based 
upon  Indian  lore. 
Alencar  made  a 
great  reputation 
as  a roman  cist, 
dramatist,  jour- 
nalist, and  polit- 
ical orator,  and 
a statue  to  his 
memory  stands  in 
one  of  the  promi- 
nent squares  of 
Rio.  He  was  born 


OFFICE  OF  THE  "JORNAL  DO  COMMERCIO,”  AVENIDA  CENTRAL,  RIO.  ^ Ge3.lA  M 1829, 

and  died  in  1877. 

Macedo’s  The  Brunette  is  said  to  have  had  the  largest  sale  of  any  book  published  in 
Brazil ; besides  numerous  romances,  he  also  wrote  some  dramatic  pieces,  and  a poem, 


MUSIC , ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


J79 


A Nebulosa.  Bernardo  Guimaraes,  in  the  romances  O Garimpeiro  [the  diamond-seeker], 
O Seminarista,  and  A Escrava  I {aura,  has  portrayed  in  clear  coloring  the  life  and  manners 
of  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes.  In  the  novel  As  Memorias  de  um  Sargento  de  Milicias, 
Manoel  de  Almeida  has  given  an  interesting  national  romance  of  the  colonial  period. 
Martim  Penna  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of  having  created  the  national  comedy.  He  lived 
from  i8ig  to  1848,  and  though  only  thirty-three  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was 
the  author  of  thirty  comedies,  most  of  which  were  presented  in  the  theatre  of  Rio  between 
1840  and  1846.  The  poets  Magalhaes,  Alencar,  Gongalves  Dias,  Agrario  de  Menezes,  Pinheiro 
Guimaraes,  and  Franklin  Tavora  all  contributed  to  the  drama. 

The  greatest  living  novelist,  and,  indeed,  the  most  distinguished  figure  in  Brazilian 
literature  to-day,  is  Dr.  Machado  de  Assis,  the  President  of  the  Brazilian  Academy  of  Letters, 
who  began  his  literary  career  as  a poet,  contemporary  with  Casimiro  de  Abreu,  Bernardo 
Guimaraes,  and  Castro  Alves,  his  first  volume  of  poems,  Chrysalidas,  appearing  in  1864. 
From  that  time  to  the  present,  he  has  occupied  a conspicuous  place  among  Brazilian  authors 
as  poet,  romancist,  essayist  and  short-story  writer.  His  novels  Brag  Cubas,  Qiiincas  Borba, 
Dom  Casmurro,  Yaya  Garcia  and  Resurreigao,  are  among  the  most  popular  in  the  Portuguese 
language,  the  portrayal  of  national  life  and  character  which  he  presents,  with  charming 
frankness  and  humor,  revealing  rare  intuition  and  true  artistic  appreciation.  His  style  is 
harmonious,  and  in  certain  features  of  his  art  there  is  something  which  reminds  one  of  the 
North  American  novelist,  William  Dean  Howells,  though  the  two  writers  are  of  entirely 
different  temperament. 

The  election  of  Dr.  Machado  de  Assis  to  the  presidency  of  the  Brazilian  Academy  was 
a unanimous  recognition  of  his  eminent  talents,  and  of  the  high  value  placed  upon  his 
contributions  to  the  literature  of  his  country.  The  Academy  was  founded  in  1896,  through 
the  efforts  of  leading  litterateurs,  prominent  among  whom  were  Dr.  Machado  de  Assis, 
Lucio  de  Mendonga,  Arthur  Azevedo,  Coelho  Netto,  Graga  Aranha,  Olavo  Bilac,  Jose 
Verissimo,  Araripe  Junior,  Filinto  de  Almeida,  Guimaraes  Passos,  Inglez  de  Sousa,  Joaquim 
Nabuco,  Jose  de  Patrocinio,  Luiz  Murat,  Rodrigo  Octavio,  Medeiros  e Albuquerque,  Pedro 
Rabello,  Silva  Ramos,  Teixeira  de  Mello,  Baron  de  Loreto,  and  the  Viscount  de  Taunay. 
The  membership  is  limited  to  forty,  and  includes,  in  addition  to  its  founders,  already  named, 
the  well-known  writers,  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  Ruy  Barbosa,  Clovis  Bevilaqua,  Affonso 
Celso  Junior,  Sylvio  Romero,  Alberto  de  Oliveira,  Alcindo  Guanabara,  Carlos  de  Laet, 
Garcia  Redondo,  Aluizio  Azevedo,  Domicio  da  Gama,  Joao  Ribeiro,  Magalhaes  de  Azeredo, 
Oliveira  Lima,  Raymundo  Correa,  Salvador  de  Mendonga,  Euclydes  da  Cunha,  Affonso  Arinos, 
Augusto  de  Lima,  and  Martins  Junior,  the  last  named  having  been  elected  to  fill  the  chair 
left  vacant  by  the  death  of  the  Viscount  de  Taunay.  The  Academy  represents  in  its  mem- 
bership the  standard  of  literary  culture  in  Brazil,  though  there  are  many  writers  not  named 
among  the  “Forty,”  whose  works  entitle  them  to  immortal  fame.  By  the  death  of  the 
Viscount  de  Taunay,  in  1899,  the  Academy  lost  one  of  its  most  brilliant  members,  and 
Brazil  one  of  her  greatest  prose  writers.  The  author  of  Innoceucia  and  A Retirada  da 


i8o 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


Laguna  held  a high  place  among  novelists  in  both  America  and  Europe,  his  works  having 
been  translated  into  several  languages.  A number  of  the  Academy’s  members  are  renowned 
not  only  as  authors,  but  as  statesmen,  jurists,  and  scientists  of  international  reputation. 
Ruy  Barbosa,  one  of  the  greatest  statesmen  of  Brazil,  has  contributed  to  the  literature  of 
his  country  some  of  its  rarest  gems;  he  has  also  achieved  renown  as  an  authority  on 
international  law  and  ethics.  Baron  de  Rio-Branco,  a master  of  literary  expression,  and 
Ambassador  Joaquim  Nabuco,  whose  poetic  and  graceful  style  are  seen  in  everything  that 
flows  from  his  pen,  are  statesmen  of  world-wide  reputation.  Lucio  de  Mendonga,  one  of 
Brazil’s  most  gifted  poets,  is  a judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  Clovis  Bevilaqua,  a writer 
of  prolific  genius,  is  a recognized  authority  on  jurisprudence,  having  recently  completed  the 
task  of  writing  the  Civil  Code  of  Brazil. 

Few  writers  of  Brazil  have  devoted  themselves  exclusively  to  the  profession  of  author- 
ship, though  in  some  instances  it  is  difficult  to  imagine,  in  view  of  their  numerous  contri- 
butions to  literature,  how  they  could  find  time  for  any  other  occupation.  The  Brazilian 
muse  is  fertile  in  production,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  a poet  who  has  published  more 

than  one  volume  of  verse,  or  a novel- 
ist whose  books  are  counted  by  the 
score.  The  palm  in  this  respect  is 
generally  conceded  to  the  celebrated 
Maranhao  novelist,  Coelho  Netto,  who 
has  written  romances,  poems,  come- 
dies, essays,  and  critical  reviews,  with 
marvellous  versatility  and  brilliancy  of 
style,  his  genius  appearing  to  be  inex- 
haustible in  resource  and  of  abundant 
vitality.  Affonso  Celso  is  another 
novelist  of  prolific  genius,  though  the 
number  of  his  yearly  productions  falls 
far  behind  the  annual  list  of  Coelho 
Netto’s  works. 

An  exception  to  the  rule  of  nu- 
merous literary  progeny  appears  in  the 
case  of  the  celebrated  author  of  Cha- 
naan,  Dr.  Graga  Aranha.  He  has 
written  few  books,  but  the  success  of 
Chanaan  is  an  abundant  proof  of  his 
genius.  It  is  regarded  by  the  critics 
as  marking  an  epoch  in  the  national 
romance,  and  has  been  styled  “the  novel  of  immigration,”  the  plot  developing  out  of  the 
circumstances  which  surround  a foreign  colonist  who  settles  near  Victoria,  in  the  State 


DR.  JOSE  CARLOS  RODRIGUES, 
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  “JORNAL  DO  COMMERCIO.” 


MUSIC,  ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


1 8 1 


of  Espirito  Santo.  Few  novels  have  been  accorded  a more  popular  welcome  than  Chanaan. 
Aluizio  Azevedo  ranks  among  the  popular  romancists,  his  novel  O Mulato  having  run 
through  several  editions.  He  has 
also  written  dramas,  though,  in  this 
field,  the  most  successful  Brazilian 
author  is  Arthur  Azevedo,  who  has 
produced  not  less  than  fifty  plays, 
alone  or  in  collaboration  with  Aluizio 
Azevedo,  Moreira  Sampaio,  and  other 
popular  dramatists.  His  latest  play, 

O Dote,  a comedy  in  three  acts,  was 
performed  for  the  first  time  at  Rio, 
during  the  season  of  1907,  and  was 
a brilliant  success.  It  is  dedicated 
to  Donna  Julia  Lopes  de  Almeida,  a 
Brazilian  writer  of  note,  whose  Reflec- 
tions of  a Husband  suggested  the  plot 
of  the  play. 

Poetry  is  still,  as  it  has  always 
been,  the  favorite  medium  of  literary 
expression  among  Brazilian  authors, 
and  a few  writers  of  verse  have  con- 
tributed gems  of  invaluable  worth 
and  beauty  to  the  national  literature. 

Among  the  leading  poets  of  Brazil, 

Olavo  Bilac  is  distinguished  for  the 
brilliancy  of  his  imagination  and  the  exquisite  purity  of  his  style.  He  is  compared  to 
Gongalves  Dias  in  sentiment  and  expression.  His  poem  A Mode  de  Tapir  suggests  Os 
Tymbiras,  and  in  his  Via-Ladea  there  is  much  of  the  grace  and  beauty  characteristic  of  the 
best  verse  of  his  great  predecessor.  Raymundo  Correa,  a poet  of  rare  talent,  is  the  author 
of  As  Pombas,  one  of  the  most  popular  short  poems  in  the  language,  the  charm  of  which 
is  felt  equally  in  its  beautiful  sentiment  and  in  the  rhythm  of  its  perfect  lines.  Luiz  Guima- 
raes,  whose  facility  in  verse-making  is  phenomenal,  has  published  seven  volumes  of  poems, 
some  of  them  being  among  the  most  beautiful  in  the  Portuguese  language.  Pedras  Pre- 
ciosas  (Precious  Stones),  Ave  Maria,  and  Paulo  e Virginia  are  considered  the  best.  Donna 
Presciliana  Duarte  de  Almeida  is  the  author  of  a charming  book  of  poems  called  Sombras, 
which  the  critics  have  pronounced  worthy  of  a high  place  in  poetical  literature,  and  another 
Brazilian  poetess,  Donna  Julia  Cortines,  has  written  gems  of  verse  in  a little  volume  entitled 
Vibrates.  Donna  Emilia  Bandeira  de  Mello,  “Carmen  Dolores,”  is  a favorite  poetess,  as 
well  as  a prose  writer  of  distinction. 


DR.  OLAVO  BILAC. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


182 


Many  of  the  best  writers  of  Brazil  began  their  career  as  poets  and  journalists,  and  later 
took  up  other  lines  of  literary  work.  Mello  Moraes  Filho,  the  celebrated  chronicler  of 
Brazilian  traditions  and  folklore,  is  a poet  of  merit  and  a successful  journalist  as  well  as  a 
historian.  Sylvio  Romero,  who  is  best  known  through  his  History  of  Brazilian  Literature 
and  his  Popular  Songs  of  Brazil  is  an  indefatigable  worker,  and  his  field  of  activity  is  appar- 
ently unlimited.  He  has  written  poetry,  art  criticisms,  literary  reviews,  folklore,  and  books 
on  philosophy,  ethnology,  politics  and  jurisprudence,  besides  a number  of  biographical 
studies.  Sylvino  Gurgel  do  Amaral,  Counsellor  of  the  Brazilian  embassy  at  Washington, 
has  given  to  the  public  an  interesting  study  of  the  life  and  works  of  Grotius,  and  has  in 
preparation  an  important  work  on  the  diplomatic  history  of  the  neutrality  of  the  Powers 
during  the  war  of  Secession  in  the  United  States,  1860-186^.  Euclydes  da  Cunha,  a 

diplomatist  and  scientist  as 
well  as  a poet,  is  the  author  of 
many  notable  works.  Rodrigo 
Octavio,  who  is  a poet  and 
prose  writer  of  great  talent,  has 
recently  published  a fascinat- 
ing story  of  colonial  days, 
Felisberto  Caldeira,  a historical 
romance,  having  as  its  subject 
the  descendant  of  John  III., 
Duke  of  Brabant,  who  was 
the  father  of  the  Marquis  de 
Barbacena,  and  one  of  the 
most  conspicuous  figures  of 
the  empire,  a Beau  Brummel 
in  dress  and  a recognized 
leader  among  the  statesmen  of 
his  day. 

Poetry  and  journalism  have 
been  closely  associated  in  their 
influence  on  the  literature  of 
Brazil,  and  in  this  country, 
more  than  in  others,  the  press 
has  been  a powerful  factor  in 
the  development  of  literary  cul- 

office  of  the  newspaper  '■  o PAiz,”  avenida  central,  rio.  ture.  The  piimary  taison  d it  re 

of  the  Brazilian  newspaper  was 
not  that  of  a purveyor  of  news;  it  was  as  a medium  for  political  oratory  and  debate 
that  the  first  journals  were  established.  Nearly  every  political  leader  under  the  empire 


MUSIC , ART,  AND  LITERATURE 


.83 

wrote  for  the  press,  and  his  contributions  were  prepared  with  a view  to  attracting  readers 
to  their  literary  style  as  well  as  to  the  principles  advocated  therein.  The  chief  editors  of 
these  early  newspapers  were  men  prominent 
in  the  State  and  distinguished  for  literary 
culture.  Many  of  them  were  political  orators 
of  renown.  Dom  Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada, 

Bernardo  Pereira  de  Vasconcellos,  who  was 
one  of  the  directing  powers  in  the  framing  of 
the  criminal  code  of  Brazil ; Antonio  Fran- 
cisco de  Paula  e Hollanda  Cavalcanti  de 
Albuquerque,  Prime  Minister  and  Minister  of 
Finance  during  the  minority  of  Dom  Pedro  II.; 
the  Regent  Feijo;  the  Marquis  de  Parana,  who 
controlled  the  politics  of  Brazil  for  a time  as 
leader  of  the  united  Conservative  and  Liberal 
parties  during  the  empire;  the  Viscount  de 
Caravellas  and  Paulo  e Souza,  who  were 
called  “the  invincible  fortresses  of  the  Liberal 
party”;  Miguel  Calmon,  Marquis  d’Abrantes, 
a minister  of  the  empire  who  was  known  as 
the  “canary”  from  his  eloquent  and  pleasing 
speech;  and  Rodrigues  dos  Santos,  Souza 
Franco,  Ferreira  Guimaraes,  Justiniano  Rocha, 

Francisco  Octaviano,  and  Antonio  Ferreira 
Vianna,  are  names  connected  with  the  best  journalism  of  the  empire  as  well  as  with  its 
political  life  and  progress. 

The  first  newspaper  established  in  Brazil  was  the  Ga{eta  do  Rio,  in  1808.  The  Idade 
de  Ouro  was  founded  in  Bahia  in  1811.  Pernambuco  had  a newspaper  in  1817,  and  at 
Maranhao  the  Conciliador  was  established  about  the  same  time.  In  1824  the  Spectator  was 
founded  at  Rio,  and  changed  in  1827  to  the  Jornal  do  Commercio,  the  leading  newspaper  of 
Brazil  to-day.  The  greatest  statesmen  and  politicians  of  the  empire  were  among  the  con- 
tributors to  this  daily,  which  published  speeches,  essays,  poems,  and  stories  as  well  as 
news.  The  Viscount  de  Rio-Branco,  who  was  a gifted  writer,  published  articles  on  political 
and  other  subjects  in  its  columns.  The  present  management  of  the  paper  is  under  the 
direction  of  Dr.  Jose  Carlos  Rodrigues,  a prominent  figure  in  national  affairs  and  a scholar 
of  wide  reputation.  Other  successful  dailies  of  the  capital  are  O Pai{,  Jornal  do  Brasil, 
Ga{eta  de  Noticias,  Correio  da  Manha,  A Noticia  and  A Tribuna.  An  English  weekly,  the 
Brazilian  Review  is  the  most  important  Brazilian  journal  published  in  a foreign  language.  The 
Revista  Brapileira,  edited  by  Jose  Verissimo,  is  the  leading  literary  magazine  of  Brazil,  and 
the  official  organ  of  the  Brazilian  Academy.  Among  its  contributors  are  the  best  writers  of 


DR.  RODRIGO  OCTAVIO. 


184 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


Brazil;  the  editor  is  an  author  of  distinction,  who  is  generally  recognized  as  the  best  literary 
critic  of  South  America.  Araripe  Junior  is  also  a noted  critic,  excelling  as  a keen  analyst 
and  a sympathetic  reader  of  character.  The  periodical  literature  of  Brazil  has  been  greatly 
increased  during  the  past  few  years,  and  its  illustrated  magazines  and  journals  are  both 
interesting  and  artistic.  Kosmos  is  the  title  of  a handsomely  illustrated  weekly  to  which  the 
best  writers  of  the  day  contribute  stories,  poems,  and  various  articles.  Renascen^a  is  also 
an  illustrated  weekly  of  artistic  design  and  purpose.  Chief  among  the  annuals  is  the 
Almanaque  Braqileiro  Gamier,  which  is  a collection  of  interesting  information  for  the  year, 
relating  to  statistics,  politics,  literature  and  the  fine  arts,  etc.,  arranged  in  entertaining  style 
by  the  editor,  Joao  Ribeiro,  one  of  the  most  noted  prose  writers  of  Brazil. 

So  evident  is  the  influence  of  mental  culture  upon  the  life  and  manners  of  a people, 
and  so  important  is  its  relation  to  human  progress  and  development,  that  no  adequate  idea 
of  the  real  advancement  of  a nation  can  be  gained  without  a knowledge  of  its  achievements 
in  this  direction.  The  musical  schools,  art-galleries,  and  great  libraries  of  Europe  bear 
witness  to  the  steady  march  of  civilization  in  those  countries  covering  centuries;  and,  in 
proportion  to  the  high  character  of  similar  institutions  in  the  New  World,  it  is  possible 
to  trace  the  growth  of  national  improvement  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  Brazil  has 
made  wonderful  progress  in  the  production  of  good  literature,  some  of  her  writers  ranking 
with  the  best  in  the  world;  and  there  are  musical  composers  and  painters  of  Brazil  worthy 
to  be  named  with  the  great  masters  of  the  Old  World. 


STATUE  OF  JOSE  DE  ALENCAR. 


PETROPOLIS. 


CHAPTER  X 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


N describing  the  political  and  intellectual  progress 
of  Brazil,  as  well  as  in  treating  of  its  commercial 
advancement,  the  State  of  Rio  claims  especial  atten- 
tion, having  been  the  chief  centre  of  national 
activity  from  the  time  when  the  colonial  capital 
was  removed  to  the  city  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  in 
1762  to  the  present  day.  It  was  not  until  1834 
that  the  Federal  district  was  set  apart  as  a 
neutral  municipality,  and  placed  under  a sepa- 
rate administration  from  that  of  the  province 
of  Rio;  and  even  then  the  political  change  did 
not  alter  the  social  and  intellectual  conditions 
which  have  always  distinguished  what  is  pop- 
ularly called  the  “ Fluminense  State.”  Under 
the  empire,  the  atmosphere  of  the  court  spread 
its  influence  to  the  smallest  hamlet  of  the 
province,  where  the  social  life  of  the  capital 
was  faithfully  reflected.  Some  of  the  greatest 
dr.  alfredo  backer,  statesmen  of  Brazil,  as  well  as  many  of  her 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RIO. 

leading  poets,  musicians,  and  artists,  were  born 
in  this  province,  which  gave  to  the  nation  such  renowned  heroes  as  the  Duke  de  Caxias, 
Admiral  Saldanha  da  Gama,  and  Viscount  de  Itaborahy,  the  first  president  of  the  prov- 
ince, after  the  separation  of  the  neutral  municipality  of  the  capital ; it  was  the  birthplace 
of  the  poets,  Casimiro  de  Abreu,  Gongalves  de  Magalhaes,  and  Luiz  Guimaraes  Junior;  of 
the  famous  musicians,  Jose  Mauricio  and  Leopoldo  Miguez;  and  of  Joao  Caetano,  the 
greatest  tragedian  of  Brazil. 


187 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


1 88 


From  many  standpoints  the  State  of  Rio  presents  exceptional  features  of  interest. 
Amid  its  picturesque  hills  have  been  established  several  foreign  colonies  which  have  grown 

to  be  thriving  towns;  its  railways 
provide  the  only  outlet  for  over- 
land traffic  to  the  port  of  Rio,  the 
most  important  commercial  cen- 
tre of  the  republic;  and  its  indus- 
tries, particularly  those  of  coffee 
growing  and  sugar  cane  culture, 
provide  an  increasing  share  of 
the  national  revenue.  Situated  in 
a fertile  region,  and  possessing 
the  advantages  of  a moderate 
climate,  favored  alike  by  the 
mountain  air  and  the  sea  breeze, 
the  State  surrounds  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  harbors  of  the 
world,  and  enjoys  every  natural 
advantage  for  the  development 
of  a rich  and  populous  common- 
wealth. Its  area  is  about  thirty 
thousand  square  miles,  and  the 
length  of  its  coast-line  a little 
more  than  five  hundred  miles. 
Several  ranges  of  mountains  cross 
the  State,  of  which  the  chief  are 
route  to  petropolis.  the  Serra  dos  Orgaos  and  the 

Serra  da  Estrella ; the  river  Para- 
hyba  is  the  principal  waterway  in  the  northern  part,  for  some  distance  marking  the 
dividing-line  between  Rio  and  Minas  Geraes.  Although  there  is  considerable  forest  land, 
the  territory  under  cultivation  is  quite  extensive,  coffee  being  grown  everywhere  in  the 
State,  on  the  plains  as  well  as  along  the  sloping  hillsides.  Rio  coffee  grown  in  this  State 
is  of  prime  quality,  and  the  yield  sometimes  reaches  an  average  of  five  or  six  pounds 
to  the  tree,  amounting  to  a million  sacks  annually.  Sugar  and  cotton  plantations  are 
numerous  and  under  profitable  cultivation.  With  the  increasing  network  of  railways, 
the  commercial  facilities  of  the  State  are  constantly  improving;  while  a rapid  growth  in 
population  is  assured  in  consequence  of  the  opportunities  offered  to  immigrant  colonies 
of  an  industrious  class. 

The  present  administration  of  the  State  of  Rio  is  devoting  especial  attention  to  coloniza- 
tion, and  lands  for  this  purpose  have  been  set  aside  in  the  municipalities  of  Santa  Maria 


THE  STATE  OE  RIO 


189 


Magdalena  and  Sao  Francisco  de  Paula  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State,  and  near 
Therezopolis,  in  the  Serra  dos  Orgaos.  These  localities  are  salubrious  and  fertile,  offering 
excellent  opportunities  for  the  farmer  and  fruit  grower.  The  president  of  the  State, 
Dr.  Alfredo  Backer,  in  his  last  annual  message  to  the  legislative  assembly,  presented  in 
August,  1907,  particularly  urged  the  necessity  of  bringing  to  the  State  foreign  colonists  of 
the  same  industrious  character  as  those  who  settled  the  now  prosperous  cities  of  Petropolis 
and  Nova  Friburgo.  The  resources  of  the  State  can  only  be  fully  developed  through  the 
labor  of  a sufficiently  large  population  to  cover  the  whole  territory.  The  opportunities 
offered  to  colonists  are  singularly  inviting,  as  not  only  are  the  colonization  lands  located 
in  favorable  regions 
from  the  standpoint 
of  health  and  fertility, 
but  they  are  easily 
accessible  by  railway, 
the  various  lines  that 
traverse  the  State  con- 
necting these  munici- 
palities with  the  capital 
of  the  State  and  with 
the  Federal  capital. 

The  State  of  Rio 
has  the  oldest  rail- 
way in  Brazil,  the  first 
track  having  been  laid 
in  1874  at  Maua,  the 
landing  for  boats  tak- 
ing passengers  to  and 
from  Rio  across  the 
bay  to  connect  with 
conveyances  between 
that  point  and  Pe- 
tropolis. The  line  was 
opened  to  traffic  in 
1876,  running,  at  first, 
only  from  the  land- 
ing to  the  foot  of  the 
mountains,  though  it 
has  since  been  ex- 
tended up  the  mountain  and  beyond  Petropolis,  now  forming  a part  of  the  Leopoldina 
system.  In  honor  of  its  promoter,  Viscount  de  Maua,  the  pioneer  of  railroad  building  in 


THE  SUMMER  PALACE  OF  EMPEROR  DOM  PEDRO  II..  PETROPOLIS. 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


190 

Brazil,  this  line  was  called  the  Maua  Railway.  The  Leopoldina  system,  one  of  the  most 
extensive  in  Brazil,  crosses  the  State  by  means  of  two  separate  lines,  one  of  which  has 


THE  AMERICAN  EMBASSY,  PETROPOLIS. 


its  chief  terminus  in  the  city  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  extending  thence  northward  and  passing 
through  the  towns  of  Iguassu,  Mage,  and  the  city  of  Petropolis,  to  the  northern  boundary  of 
the  State  at  Parahyba  do  Sul.  The  other  line  starts  from  Nictheroy,  the  capital  of  the  State 
of  Rio,  and,  dividing  into  two  branches,  from  which  there  are  several  shorter  lines  diverging 
to  form  a complete  network  of  railways,  this  division  of  the  system  crosses  the  State  to  its 
farthest  limits,  passing  through  all  the  important  cities  and  towns.  Besides  the  Leopoldina 
system,  which  is  a private  enterprise,  owned  by  an  English  company,  and  the  Central  Rail- 
way, which  belongs  to  the  Federal  government,  there  are  several  shorter  lines;  among  these 
are  the  Therezopolis  Railway,  connecting  that  mountain  city  with  the  seacoast;  the  Sapucahy, 
Marica,  Rio  de  Ouro,  Uniao  Valenciana,  Rio  das  Flores,  and  others. 

While  advancing  the  interests  of  the  State  by  promoting  its  industrial  and  commercial 
welfare,  the  government  has  not  neglected  educational  matters.  Many  new  reforms  have 
been  introduced  in  accordance  with  recent  decrees  of  the  State,  and  the  attendance,  as  well 
as  the  standard  of  instruction,  has  notably  improved  within  a few  years.  In  the  primary 
schools  the  number  of  pupils  enrolled  at  the  beginning  of  the  last  school  year  was  nineteen 
thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty,  as  against  seven  thousand  six  hundred  and  forty  pupils 
enrolled  in  1903;  the  average  attendance  increased  from  five  thousand  one  hundred  and 
thirty  in  1903  to  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  and  ninety-one  in  1906.  The  new  lyceum 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


191 

of  Campos,  which  was  established  in  conformity  with  the  government  decree,  Septem- 
ber 1 1,  1906,  has  one  hundred  pupils  on  the  roll  call ; the  Petropolis  lyceum  has  one  hundred 
and  thirty  pupils;  in  each  of  these  schools  a night  class  is  maintained  under  the  direction  of 
a professional  teacher.  The  Normal  School  of  Nictheroy  has  an  attendance  of  one  hundred 
and  forty-one  students,  and  that  of  Campos  seventy-four.  In  addition  to  schools  for 
primary  and  secondary  instruction,  there  are  technical  schools  and  colleges  in  all  the  large 
towns.  Anchieta  College  of  Nova  Friburgo  is  one  of  the  most  flourishing  institutions  of 
the  State;  and  in  the  Salesian  College  of  Santa  Rosa,  Nictheroy,  the  arts  and  crafts  are 
taught  with  eminently  satisfactory  results. 

In  the  development  of  its  cities  and  towns,  Rio  has  many  advantages,  not  only  because 
of  excellent  railway  communication,  and  the  inviting  charm  of  natural  beauty,  but  also 
through  its  proximity  to  the  Federal  capital  and  the  great  harbor  to  which  ships  of  all 
nations  come;  so  that  residents  are  constantly  in  touch  with  the  outside  world,  living,  so 
to  speak,  on  the  great  highway  of  ocean  travel.  The  climate  of  the  State  is,  naturally, 
much  more  delightful  and  pure  in  the  mountains  than  on  the  lowlands  along  the  coast; 


A MOUNTAIN  DRIVEWAY  IN  PETROPOLIS. 


but,  taken  altogether,  it  is  of  average  healthfulness.  Yellow  fever,  which  is  popularly 
supposed  to  be  endemic  in  Rio,  made  its  first  appearance,  as  stated  in  a previous  chapter, 


192 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


in  1849,  on  a slave-ship,  and  was  totally  extinguished  ten  years  later,  not  visiting  the  State 
again  until  1869,  when  it  was  brought  in  by  an  Italian  ship,  the  Creola  del  Plata.  It  has 


THE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY,  PETROPOLIS. 


never  been  the  constant  scourge  which  foreigners  have  supposed  it  to  be,  and  since  the 
adoption  of  modern  methods  of  sanitation  it  has  become  practically  a plague  of  the  past. 

When  the  national  capital  and  district  were  separated  from  the  State  of  Rio  by  a 
decree  of  the  Constitution,  the  city  of  Nictheroy  was  made  the  State  capital,  and  it  has 
continued  to  have  that  distinction,  except  during  an  interval  of  nine  years,  from  1894  to 
190$,  when  Petropolis  was  the  chief  seat  of  government.  Nictheroy  is  a busy  city  of  thirty 
thousand  people,  lying  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  of  Rio,  opposite  to  the  Federal  capital. 
Nictheroy,  an  Indian  name  signifying  “hidden  water,”  was  an  Indian  settlement  at  the 
time  of  the  discovery  of  Brazil. 

By  a charter  of  May  10,  1819,  the  name  Villa  Real  da  Praia  Grande  was  given  to  this  city, 
which  it  retained  until  1834,  when  it  was  made  the  provincial  capital,  with  its  present  title. 
The  municipality  includes  the  six  parishes,  Joao  Baptista,  S.  Lourengo,  Nossa  Senhora  da 
Conceigao  da  Jurujuba,  Sao  Sebastiao  de  Itaipu,  S.  Gongalo,  and  Nossa  Senhora  da  Conceigao 
de  Cordeiros.  Several  public  squares,  or  pranas,  ornament  the  city,  of  which  the  Pinto 
Lima,  with  its  verdure-clad  garden,  is  one  of  the  most  attractive.  The  streets  are  broad, 
well  paved,  well  lighted,  and  traversed  by  a complete  system  of  street  railways,  or  “bonds.” 
The  city  is  divided  into  three  wards,  or  districts:  Praia  Grande,  the  business  section; 
S.  Domingos,  where  the  old  palace  of  the  government  is  situated,  as  well  as  a number 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


J93 


of  picturesque  villas  and  chacaras;  and  the  magnificent  suburb  Icarahy,  famed  for  its 
baths,  beautiful  drives,  and  enchanting  scenery.  Many  handsome  public  buildings  have 
been  constructed,  including  the  new  government  palace,  the  charity  hospital,  Asylo  de 
Santa  Leopoldina,  the  new  marine  hospital  of  Santa  Isabel,  in  Jurujuba,  the  municipal 
chambers,  hospital  of  Sao  Joao  Baptista,  Normal  School,  theatres,  and  churches. 

The  Barcas  ferry  connects  Nictheroy  with  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  the  trip  across  the  bay 
is  delightful.  The  inauguration  of  this  line  of  ferry  boats  was  due  to  the  patriotism  and 
enterprise  of  the  Viscount  de  Moraes,  a citizen  of  Nictheroy,  who  for  many  years  has 
devoted  his  efforts  to  the  progress  of  that  city,  and  especially  to  the  development  of 
plans  by  which  it  might  be  brought  into  closer  relations  with  the  Federal  capital.  Not 
only  by  his  enterprise  in  connection  with  the  ferry  system,  has  the  Viscount  de  Moraes 
promoted  the  best  interests  of  his  beloved  city,  but  by  his  progressive  methods  in  other 
works  that  he  has  undertaken.  Through  his  initiative  a system  of  electric  street  rail- 
ways has  been  established,  and  the  line,  of  which  he  is  the  owner,  runs  from  the  centre 


A RIVER  SCENE  IN  PETROPOLIS. 


of  the  city  to  the  picturesque  suburbs  of  Icarahy,  and  Sacco  do  Sao  Francisco,  on  the 
shore  of  the  bay  of  Rio,  or  Guanabara,  as  it  is  sometimes  called  in  remembrance  of  its 


194 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Indian  traditions.  The  electric  street  railway  to  the  suburbs  is  a great  convenience,  and 
every  evening  the  cars  are  filled  with  people  seeking  the  picturesque  Sacco  do  Sao  Francisco 

or  the  praia  of  Icarahy.  A 
tourist  hotel  and  a casino 
are  being  built  at  Sao  Fran- 
cisco, which  has  a beach 
rivalling  that  of  Trouville, 
and  which  promises  one 
day  to  be  one  of  the  favor- 
ite resorts  of  Rio.  Already 
the  foreign  colony,  and  es- 
pecially the  athletic  element 
devoted  to  the  pastime  of 
boating,  yachting,  etc.,  is 
represented  in  considerable 
number  on  this  side  of  the 
bay.  The  municipal  govern- 
ment is  active  in  promoting 
the  interests  of  foreign  and 
native  citizens  with  equal 
consideration,  the  Prefect, 
Dr.  Pereira  Ferraz,  devoting  especial  attention  to  all  reforms  which  tend  to  increase  the 
value  of  property  and  to  improve  the  comfort  of  citizens. 

For  those  who  prefer  mountain  air  and  scenery  to  the  attractions  of  the  coast,  the  city 
of  Petropolis  is  a paradise  of  beauty  and  charm.  Situated  in  the  Serra  da  Estrella,  it  presents 
an  enchanting  picture  in  the  variety  and  charm  of  its  Alpine  effects.  It  is  particularly 
attractive  in  the  first  blush  of  morning,  when,  as  some  one  has  .described  it,  “the  sun  rises 
in  all  his  splendor  above  the  seven  hill-tops,  lighting  up  the  dull,  grassy  green  of  the 
orange-groves,  the  tall,  feathery  crests  of  the  graceful  palms,  the  huge  banner-like  leaves  of 
the  banana,  the  spiky  columns  of  the  cactus,  the  great  rocks  that  stand  isled  in  the  sea  of 
vegetation,  and  the  rainbow  plumage  of  the  humming-birds  and  butterflies  that  hover  enjoy- 
ingly  on  the  warm,  voluptuous  air,  till  all  above  and  below  is  a dazzling  blaze  of  glory.” 
One  can  imagine  nothing  more  delightful  than  in  the  early  morning  hours  to  take  a horse- 
back ride  along  the  smooth  road,  with  all  the  glories  of  tropical  vegetation  poured  out  like  a 
flood  over  the  great  mountain  walls  on  each  side;  to  see  the  little  river  dancing  and  leaping 
among  the  black,  broken  rocks  below,  now  flashing  its  foam  in  the  sunlight,  now  slinking 
shyly  away  beneath  the  shadow  of  overhanging  trees;  to  watch  the  broadening  sunshine 
roll  across  the  endless  range  of  woods,  tree-top  after  tree-top  catching  the  glow  till  the 
whole  forest  is  one  sea  of  splendor;  to  feel  the  fresh  mountain  breeze  stirring  your  blood 
till  it  leaps  through  your  veins,  making  mere  existence  an  enjoyment.  Any  one  who  has 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


seen  the  place  will  readily  recognize  a description  of  that  picturesque  path,  with  its  over- 
arching leaves  of  brightest  crimson,  crumbling  walls  alive  with  glittering  lizards,  and  great 
boulders  of  black  rock  down  which  the  living  green  of  the  trailing  fern  pours  itself  in  a 
silent  waterfall,  and  huge  bell-like  convolvuli  twining  lovingly  round  the  maimed  stumps 
of  the  felled  trees. 

The  journey  from  Rio  to  Petropolis  includes  a trip  across  the  bay  to  the  Maua  landing, 
from  which  a railway  train  conveys  passengers  to  the  summit  of  the  serra.  The  changing 
spectacle  presented  by  innumerable  turns  and  curves  of  the  bay  and  the  constantly  varying 
aspect  of  the  islands  that  are  passed  is  a source  of  aesthetic  delight  to  all  nature-worshippers, 
and  the  view  that  spreads  out  in  ever-increasing  charm  and  splendor  as  the  railway  train 
plods  its  way  up  the  steep  slope  of  the  mountain-side  has  an  exhilarating  effect  upon  the 
imagination,  filling  the  soul  with  its  beauty.  At  times,  the  entire  bay  is  seen,  glistening  in 
the  sunlight,  or  covered  with  foamy  mist,  the  islands  and  rocks  that  mottle  its  surface 
possessing  each  a separate  claim  to  favor.  Along  the  route,  glimpses  of  the  most  gorgeous 
tropical  vegetation  appear;  trailing  vines,  feathery  ferns,  and  damp  clinging  mosses  making 
an  effective  setting  for  the  delicate  coloring  of  the  orchid  and  the  rich  glow  of  more  brilliant 
blossoms.  Great  blocks  of  granite  poised  precariously  on  the  verge  of  towering  cliffs,  and 
swift  mountain  streams  which  in  rainy  weather  swell  to  roaring  torrents,  give  that  element 
of  recklessness  which  is  characteristic  of  Nature  in  her  wildest  moods.  The  Serra  da 
Estrella  is  a part  of  the  chain  of  Orgaos,  or  Organ  Mountains,  which  includes  also  the  Serra 
Tingua,  connecting  with  the  Coast  Range  that  extends  under  different  names  throughout 
the  whole  coast  country  of  Brazil. 


PRAIA  DE  ICARAHY.  NICTHEROY. 


Orchid  hunters  find  an  everlasting  source  of  interest  in  the  treasures  of  Petropolis. 
The  beautiful  ground  orchids  with  names  that  no  one  but  an  “orchidologist”  can  remember: 


196 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


the  LcbUcl  Tenebrosa,  the  Loelia  Perrini,  and  many  other  Loelias  are  found  in  the  enchanting 
recesses  of  the  Petropolis  hills.  Sophonites,  red  orchids  of  exquisite  delicacy  in  color  and 

form,  and  Epidendrums  of  many 
varieties,  are  gathered  by  eager 
orchid  hunters.  A very  suc- 
cessful collector  in  this  field  is 
Mr.  John  O.  Hall,  of  Buenos 
Aires,  who  has  carried  off  some 
rare  specimens  for  his  con- 
servatory, in  which  he  has 
many  of  the  choicest  varieties 
of  orchids  in  the  world. 

During  the  social  season, 
which  is  from  December  to 
May,  Petropolis  is  the  scene 
of  continued  gaiety,  its  drives 
thronged  with  carriages  and  its  homes  brilliant  with  various  festivities.  Originally  founded 
in  1845",  as  an  agricultural  colony  with  a small  German  population,  the  city  has  grown  to 
be  the  Versailles  of  the  Brazilian  capital;  as  the  favorite  resort  of  wealth  and  fashion,  and 
an  important  educational  centre,  it  has  some  advantages  above  all  other  Brazilian  cities.  It 
is  unique  as  the  only  city  outside  of  a national  capital  that  is  the  permanent  residence  of  the 
foreign  diplomatic  corps.  As  previously  stated,  this  distinction  was  first  gained  when,  in 
consequence  of  a yellow-fever  epidemic  in  Rio  de  Janeiro,  the  diplomatic  body  sought 
shelter  in  this  beautiful  spot,  twenty-eight  miles  from  the  capital  and  three  thousand  feet 
above  its  level.  At  first,  only  nine  months  of  the  year  were  spent  here,  during  which  daily 
visits  were  made  to  and  from  the  city;  but  this  routine  being  very  tiresome,  the  chiefs  of 
diplomatic  missions  petitioned  their  governments  to  authorize  the  establishment  of  perma- 
nent residence  in  Petropolis.  It  is  likely,  however,  that  the  official  home  of  the  foreign 
diplomatic  corps  will  soon  be  removed  again  to  the  national  capital. 

As  the  headquarters  of  about  twenty  foreign  diplomatic  representatives,  Petropolis  is 
one  of  the  most  important  small  cities  in  the  world.  In  the  midst  of  rich  tropical  verdure, 
with  an  endless  variety  of  effects  in  landscape  and  architecture,  its  beauties  present  an 
additional  charm  in  the  legation  villas,  which,  as  a rule,  are  located  most  attractively,  over- 
looking luxuriant  gardens  and  well-trimmed  lawns.  The  American  embassy,  of  which 
Hon.  Irving  B.  Dudley  is  the  diplomatic  chief,  is  established  in  a beautiful  mansion,  with 
broad  verandas  and  surrounded  by  spacious  grounds.  The  Portuguese  minister  to  Brazil, 
Dr.  Joao  de  Oliveira  Sa  Camelo  Lampreia,  has  his  official  residence  in  the  Rua  Paysandu, 
Rio,  in  a beautiful  palacete  of  the  Portuguese  style  of  architecture.  The  Legation  of  Ger- 
many, the  official  home  of  the  German  minister,  Baron  von  Reichnau,  and  the  Mexican 
Legation,  of  which  Dr.  Lizardi  is  chief,  are  among  the  most  attractive  residences  of  the 


ANCHIETA  COLLEGE,  NOVA  FRIBURGO. 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


197 


foreign  representatives.  The  ladies  of  the  diplomatic  corps  entertain  with  charming  hospi- 
tality, and  social  life  in  the  mountain  city  is  always  enjoyable,  although  during  the  winter 
months  of  June  and  July  the  weather  is  sometimes  quite  cold.  On  a beautiful  site  stands 
the  palace  once  the  summer  residence  of  the  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  II.;  it  is  now  the 
property  of  the  Countess  d’Eu  and  is  used  for  a young  ladies’  seminary.  There  are  several 
foreign  schools  in  Petropolis,  the  most  important  being  the  German  college  for  boys  and 
the  American  school  for  girls. 

In  addition  to  the  interest  that  attaches  to  the  summer  capital  as  a fashionable  resort,  as 
the  seat  of  foreign  diplomatic  missions,  and  as  an  educational  centre,  are  its  many  commercial 
enterprises  in  the  nature  of  large  spinning-mills,  factories,  and  breweries.  The  population 
numbers  about  twenty-five  thousand.  From  Petropolis  an  old  turnpike-road  extends  to 
Juiz  de  Fora,  in  the  State  of  Minas,  a distance  of  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  a high- 
way which  was  first  opened  after  the  construction  of  the  Maua  railway,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  down  the  produce  of  the  interior.  Although  the  Central  Railway  now  carries  all 
this  traffic,  the  road  is  still  a favorite  drive-way. 

Many  flourishing  towns  throughout  the  State  refect  the  life  and  customs  of  the  larger 
cities.  Campos,  with  a population  of  about  twenty-five  thousand  is  one  of  the  largest 
of  these  towns.  It  is  situated  on  a plain  over  which  the  sea-breeze  blows  with  refreshing 
coolness.  Three  railroads  respectively  connect  it  with  the  Federal  capital,  the  State  of 
Minas  Geraes,  and  the  State  of  Espirito  Santo.  The  municipal  building  is  a neat  edifice, 
containing,  among  other  important  features,  a valuable  library,  besides  which  there  are  two 
smaller  libraries  open  to  the 
public,  the  property  of  private 
societies.  The  town  is  situated 
on  the  banks  of  the  Parahyba, 
an  iron  bridge  crossing  the  river 
at  this  point.  By  means  of  a 
grand  canal,  Campos  is  con- 
nected with  the  seaport  Macahe, 
a railway  also  uniting  the  two 
towns.  Among  the  successful 
institutions  of  Campos  are  the 
Society  of  Agriculture,  vari- 
ous benevolent  societies,  three 
hospitals,  the  Jockey  Club,  and 
musical,  dramatic,  and  dancing 
societies.  Three  newspapers 
are  published  here,  and  the 
professions  are  well  represented.  The  town  is  lighted  with  electricity,  has  street  car  lines, 
waterworks,  and  drainage.  The  region  around  Campos  is  well  suited  to  cattle  raising,  and 


LYCEUM  AND  NORMAL  SCHOOL,  CAMPOS. 


198 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


cattle  are  shipped  from  this  place  to 
supply  neighboring  markets.  This 
section  also  produces  fruits  in  abun- 
dance, and  in  the  vicinity  are  valua- 
ble deposits  of  cement,  kaolin,  and 
other  clays  for  ceramic  purposes. 

Macahe  is  a seaport  of  con- 
siderable importance,  having  a regu- 
lar line  of  steamers  that  connect  it 
with  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  near  coast 
towns;  it  is  an  enterprising  town, 
and  the  centre  of  a fertile  district 
waterfall  a't  THEREzopoLis.  where  coffee,  sugar,  and  feijao  [the 

black  bean]  are  grown  in  great 
quantities.  The  Quissaman  sugar  factory  in  this  municipality  produces  about  forty  thou- 
sand bags  of  sugar  a season,  and  one  of  the  growing  industries  is  the  manufacture  of  bricks. 

The  Swiss  colony  of  Nova  Friburgo  is  the  oldest  immigrant  settlement  in  Brazil,  having 
been  established,  in  1819,  on  the  site  of  the  present  progressive  little  city  of  that  name. 
The  location  of  the  colony  could  not  have  been  better  chosen,  as  the  climate  is  perfect, 
the  soil  rich  and  fertile,  and  the  scenery  indescribably  beautiful,  the  approach  by  railway 
rivalling  in  some  aspects  the  marvellous  grandeur  of  the  route  to  Petropolis.  The  feats 
of  engineering  accomplished  on  the  line  of  the  Leopoldina  in  this  vicinity  are  remarkable; 
the  Fell  system  is  used  in  making  the  ascent  of  the  semi  for  a distance  of  about  ten  miles, 
and  an  elevation  of  nearly  four 
thousand  feet  is  reached  at  the 
highest  point,  or  Alto  da  Serra, 
from  which  the  town  is  scarcely 
ten  miles  distant,  with  an  alti- 
tude of  about  three  thousand 
feet.  Nova  Friburgo  is  the 
centre  of  a productive  coffee 
district,  and  within  easy  dis- 
tance of  the  Federal  capital, 
where  many  of  its  wealthy 
proprietors  spend  the  winter 
season. 

At  an  altitude  of  three 
thousand  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea,  and  in  the  midst  of 

scenery  of  unrivalled  beauty,  three-rail  track  on  leopoldina  railroad,  state  of  rio. 


THE  STATE  OF  RIO 


199 


Therezopolis  occupies  a site  that  commands  a magnificent  view  of  the  ravines  and  cascades 
of  the  Serra  dos  Orgaos,  and  in  the  distance  the  bay  of  Rio  in  all  its  glory. 

Sao  Joao  da  Barra,  named  from  a church  erected  at  this  place  by  the  Portuguese 
settlers  at  the  beginning  of  the  seventeenth  century  and  dedicated  to  Saint  John  the  Baptist, 
is  a growing  town  of  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants,  situated  on  a tongue  of  land  about  a 
mile  square,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Parahyba  River.  The  large  sugar  refineries  of  the  Usina 
Barcellos  give  additional  importance  to  its  manufacturing  industries,  which  include  several 
mills  and  other  enterprises.  To  Sao  Joao  da  Barra  belongs  the  honor  of  having  nurtured 
one  of  the  great  poets  of  Brazil,  Casimiro  de  Abreu.  Itaborahy,  a little  town  not  far  from 
Nictheroy,  is  famous  as  the  birthplace  of  the  distinguished  romancist  Joaquim  Manoel  de 


SACCO  DE  SAO  FRANCISCO,  A SUBURB  OF  NICTHEROY. 


Macedo.  Rezende,  named  in  honor  of  the  viceroy  Count  de  Rezende,  under  whose 
administration  the  town  was  founded  a hundred  years  ago,  is  built  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Parahyba,  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  locations  imaginable;  three  surrounding  hills,  upon 
the  summit  of  each  of  which  a pretty  little  church  has  been  erected,  give  a charming  effect 
to  the  scene.  On  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river  is  the  suburb  of  Campos  Elyseos,  with  its 
neat  little  railway  station  on  the  line  of  the  Central. 

There  are  innumerable  growing  towns  and  villages  along  the  line  of  the  various 
railroads  of  the  State:  Cabo  Frio,  Angra  dos  Reis,  and  Paraty  are  important  towns  on  the 
coast  and  centres  of  growing  industry,  Cabo  Frio  being  noted  for  its  granite,  which  is  of 
great  value  for  building  purposes;  S.  Fidelis,  in  the  northeast,  has  rich  deposits  of  graphite 
in  its  vicinity;  gold  mines  exist  near  the  prosperous  little  town  of  Cantagallo;  Parahyba  do 


200 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


Sul,  Mage,  Vassouras,  Valeria,  Pirahy,  Barra  Mansa,  Sapucaia,  Rio  Claro,  Itaperuna,  Padua, 
Bom  Jardim,  Santa  Maria  Magdalena,  Sumidouro,  Marica,  Capivary,  and  other  towns  are 
connected  by  railway  with  each  other  and  with  the  capital.  In  every  town  the  progress  is 
more  marked  from  year  to  year,  and  throughout  the  State  the  spirit  of  enterprise  is  felt  in 
every  branch  of  endeavor,  political,  social,  and  commercial;  many  notable  improvements 
are  due  to  the  activity  of  the  present  administration,  under  the  leadership  of  President 
Alfredo  Backer,  a statesman  of  keen  judgment  and  noted  executive  ability,  who  is  assisted 
by  the  secretary  general  of  the  State,  Dr.  Joao  Damasceno  Ferreira,  and  a cabinet  of  able 
officials  in  the  various  departments. 


DR.  J.  DAMASCENO  FERREIRA, 
SECRETARY  OF  GOVERNMENT,  STATE  OF  RIO. 


A MILITARY  REVIEW  IN  THE  PALACE  SQUARE,  SAO  PAULO. 


CHAPTER  XI 

SAO  PAULO 

OAO  PAULO  has  had  such  an  important 
^ share  in  the  patriotic  struggles  and  tri- 
umphs which  have  attended  the  growth  and 
advancement  of  Brazil,  that  its  history  is 
inseparably  connected  with  the  proudest 
annals  of  the  nation.  Especially  in  central 
and  southern  Brazil,  the  civilization  and  de- 
velopment of  the  country  were  chiefly  due 
to  the  sturdy  and  energetic  Mamelucos,  as 
the  pioneer  Paulistas  were  called.  Under  the 
government  of  the  redoubtable  Ramalho 
they  rendered  valuable  assistance  to  Marti m 
Affonso  in  settling  the  present  State  of  Sao 
Paulo,  which  took  its  name  from  a mission 
founded  by  the  Paulist  priests  on  the  site  of 
the  present  State  capital. 

The  early  Paulistas  had  for  their  motto, 
“Conquer  or  die!”  and  in  the  history  of  Sao 
Paulo  the  influence  of  such  unyielding  deter- 
mination is  abundantly  shown.  Overcoming 
every  obstacle,  this  great  State  has  grown 
and  prospered  under  all  conditions,  and  to-day  it  occupies  a distinguished  place  as  the  most 
important  of  the  Brazilian  union.  Possessing  extraordinary  interest  as  the  richest  coffee 
growing  region  of  the  world,  it  is  further  renowned  as  the  great  educational  centre  of  Brazil, 
and  as  having  a political  constituency  of  the  most  important  influence. 

The  State  of  Sao  Paulo  covers  an  area  of  seventy-five  thousand  square  miles,  having 

a coast  line  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  long,  and  extending  inland  for  four  hundred  miles. 

203 


DR,  JORGE  TIBIRIQA', 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


204 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


It  borders  the  Atlantic  Ocean  on  the  southeast,  the  State  of  Rio  on  the  east,  Minas  Geraes 
on  the  northeast  and  north,  Matto  Grosso  on  the  west,  and  Parana  on  the  south.  The 
western  boundary  is  marked  by  the  river  Parana,  and  the  northern  and  southern  boundaries 
by  its  tributaries,  the  Rio  Grande  and  the  Rio  Paranapanema,  respectively.  A natural  division 
of  the  State  is  made  by  the  Coast  Range,  or  Serra  do  Mar,  which  rises  to  an  altitude  of  three 
thousand  feet,  and  crosses  it  near  the  southeastern  border,  parallel  with  the  seacoast, 
toward  which  it  descends  abruptly,  leaving  only  a narrow  strip  of  lowland  between. 
This  range  is  known  in  different  sections  as  the  Paranapiacaba,  Cubatao,  Ubatuba  and 
Paraty,  and  has  several  offshoots,  as  the  Bocaina,  Quebra-Congalha  and  Jambeiro.  A 
second  range,  the  Serra  da  Mantiqueira  crosses  the  State  farther  inland  and  parallel  to  the 
Serra  do  Mar,  and  has  a greater  altitude,  its  highest  summits,  the  Itapeva  and  Marins  being 
between  seven  thousand  and  eight  thousand  feet  above  sea-level.  This  range  is  broken  at 
intervals  and  is  known  under  the  names  of  Serra  da  Cantareira,  Juguery,  and  others. 

Between  the  Serra  da  Mantiqueira  and  the  Serra  do  Mar  lies  a fertile  plateau,  which  is 
drained  by  the  river  Parahyba,  flowing  northeast  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  With  the  exception 
of  this  river  and  of  the  Ribeira  de  Iguape  with  its  tributaries,  which  flows  southeast  from 
the  Serra  do  Mar  to  the  Atlantic,  all  the  rivers  flow  from  the  Serra  northwestward  to  join  the 
Parana.  The  entire  State  is  drained  by  vast  tributaries  of  this  mighty  river;  not  only  do 
the  Rio  Grande  and  Rio  Paranapanema,  with  their  extensive  affluents,  fertilize  the  northern 
and  southern  regions,  but  the  great  Tiete,  with  innumerable  branches,  crosses  the  middle 
of  the  State  from  the  Serra  do  Mar  to  the  extreme  northwestern  boundary,  over  a course 
nearly  four  hundred  miles  in  length.  This  magnificent  stream  with  its  main  affluent,  the 
Piracicaba,  is  navigable  for  only  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  because  of  the  great 
number  of  cataracts  interrupting  its  course,  some  of  which  are  capable  of  furnishing  suffi- 
cient motive  power  for  the  largest  engineering  enterprises.  The  Itapura  fall,  on  this  river, 
has  a width  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  feet  and  a height  of  forty  feet,  and  the  Avan- 
handava  fall  is  fifty  feet  high.  The  fall  at  Parnahyba,  a few  miles  from  the  capital  of  the 
State,  supplies  power  for  one  hundred  miles  of  street  cars,  several  large  mills,  factories,  and 
electric  light  installations.  The  possession  of  unlimited  water  power  is  one  of  the  most 
valuable  resources  of  this  great  State,  all  its  rivers  having  tremendous  cataracts.  The 
Parana  rivals  every  other  river  of  the  world  in  this  respect,  with  half  a dozen  magnificent 
waterfalls  lending  a picturesque  beauty  and  grandeur  to  its  scenery,  unsurpassed  elsewhere. 
The  Salto  dos  Patos,  the  Urubupunga,  the  Salto  das  Sete  Quedas,  and  the  greater  Niagara 
known  as  the  Salto  do  Iguassu,  present  a succession  of  marvellous  scenes,  well  worth  a 
visit  to  South  America  to  enjoy.  The  falls  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  the  Rio  Paranapanema 
will  be  utilized  in  the  development  of  large  enterprises  in  the  newly  explored  regions  of  the 
west.  All  the  rivers  are  navigable  over  a part  of  their  course,  the  Ribeira  de  Iguape  having 
a navigable  course  of  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

In  addition  to  the  advantages  afforded  by  a splendid  river  system  for  the  agricultural, 
pastoral  and  industrial  development  which  is  now  progressing  rapidly  in  the  State  of  Sao 


SAO  PAULO 


20^ 


Paulo,  the  climate  also  constitutes  a most  favorable  influence,  as  it  is  uniformly  mild  and 
temperate,  except  in  the  warm  zone  that  extends  along  the  narrow  strip  of  lowland  on  the 
coast,  and  near  the  lower  water  courses.  On  the  plateau  and  the  sloping  hillsides  of  the 
central  region,  the  climate  is  like  that  of  southern  Europe;  for  although  in  the  latitude  of 
the  tropics,  the  altitude  is  such  as  to  modify  the  climatic  conditions  of  a tropical  country. 
The  population  of  the  State  is  two  million  six  hundred  thousand,  living  chiefly  in  the 
eastern  and  central  sections. 

Sao  Paulo,  the  capital  of  the  State,  occupies  an  ideal  situation  on  the  plateau,  between 
the  Serra  da  Cantareira,  from  which  it  receives  its  splendid  water  supply,  and  the  Serra  do 
Mar,  which  separates  it  from  the  seacoast.  The  city  is  the  second  in  importance  in  Brazil, 
and  has  three  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  being  one  of  the  most  populous  and  flourish- 
ing cities  of  South  America.  Its  prosperity  is  due  entirely  to  the  progressive  character  of  the 
Paulistas,  who  are  not  only  distinguished  for  their  practical  ability  and  energetic  enterprise, 
but  are  particularly  esteemed  among  their  compatriots  for  their  sociaf  and  intellectual  culture, 
and  the  possession  of  those  sterling  qualities  which  belong  to  the  best  type  of  Brazilians.  It 
may  be,  as  Secretary  Root  said  during  his  visit  to  the  city  in  1906,  that  “there  is  something  in 
the  air  of  Sao  Paulo  which  makes  strong  and  vigorous  men  certainly,  the  healthful  climate 
and  the  open-air  occupations  in  which  the  greatest  and  noblest  men  of  the  State  developed 


PALACE  OF  AGRICULTURE  AND  STATE  TREASURY.  SAO  PAULO. 


their  genius,  are  to  be  taken  into  consideration  in  looking  for  the  causes  which  have  led  to  the 
progress  of  the  State,  the  wealth  and  importance  of  which  is  reflected  in  its  beautiful  capital. 


206 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Like  the  Federal  capital,  Sao  Paulo  has  been  transformed  within  a few  years,  and 
though  the  change  has  not  been  so  sudden  nor  so  radical  as  in  Rio,  it  has  still  been  of 

sufficient  importance  to  leave  its  im- 
press upon  every  feature  of  the  old 
Sao  Paulo  of  the  empire,  which  is 
rapidly  fading  out  of  recognition  in 
the  modern  Sao  Paulo  of  the  republic. 
.But,  while  appreciating  the  advantages 
of  the  new  regime  in  the  advance- 
ment of  the  State  and  its  capital,  it 
must  not  be  forgotten  that  perhaps 
the  most  important  step  toward  this 
aggrandizement  was  made  when  the 
unfaltering  hand  of  the  Princess- 
Regent  of  Brazil  signed  the  decree 
for  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves, 
prepared  by  the  noble  Paulistas, 
Dr.  Antonio  Prado  and  Dr.  Joao  Al- 
fredo. This  act  had  the  most  power- 
ful influence  in  stimulating  the  energy 
and  enterprise  which  are  to-day  so 
characteristic  of  the  Sao  Paulo  people, 
who  needed  just  such  a test  to  bring 
out  their  best  abilities.  Resolutely 
they  faced  the  new  problems  and 
solved  them  with  courage  and  perse- 
verance, under  the  leadership  of  such  renowned  patriots  as  Dr.  Prudente  Moraes,  Dr.  Campos- 
Salles,  Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves,  and  the  present  illustrious  president  of  the  State,  Dr.  Jorge 
Tibiriga,  whose  name  has  been  prominently  identified  with  its  political  progress  for  thirty 
years,  ever  since,  as  a young  graduate  of  the  University  of  Zurich,  he  returned  to  his  native 
land,  fired  with  the  republican  sentiments  and  principles  which  a Helvetian  education  instils 
in  every  breast.  As  deputy,  senator,  minister  of  government,  and  president  of  the  State,  he 
has  devoted,  with  brilliant  success,  his  great  talents  to  the  welfare  of  his  beloved  country. 
The  present  administration  is  constantly  adding  prestige  to  the  reputation  of  the  State  by 
notable  reforms  and  improvements.  The  president,  the  vice-president,  Colonel  Joao  Baptista 
de  Mello  Oliveira,  and  the  secretaries,  Dr.  Gustavo  de  Oliveira  Godoy,  of  interior;  Dr.  Wash- 
ington Luiz  Pereira  de  Souza,  of  justice;  Dr.  Manoel  Joaquim  de  Albuquerque  Lins,  of  finance; 
and  Dr.  Carlos  Jose  Botelho,  of  agriculture,  are  united  in  their  efforts  for  the  highest  good 
of  the  State.  The  important  task  of  reorganizing  the  courts  of  law  and  the  police  service  of 
the  State  has  been  undertaken,  with  most  promising  results,  by  Dr.  Washington  Luiz  Pereira 


DR.  CARLOS  JOSE  BOTELHO,  SECRETARY  OF  AGRICULTURE, 
SAO  PAULO. 


SAO  PAULO 


207 


de  Souza.  Dr.  Manoel  Joaquim  de  Albuquerque  Lins  continues  his  notable  policy  as  declared 
in  the  purchase  of  the  Sorocabana  railway  and  the  financial  transactions  for  enhancing  the 
price  of  coffee.  The  progress  in  the  departments  of  the  interior  and  agriculture  may  be  seen 
from  subsequent  chapters.  The  general  revenue  of  the  State,  according  to  the  last  budget, 
is  about  £0,000,000  milreis,  which  is  equivalent  to  sixteen  million  dollars  gold,  and  the  expen- 
diture is  nearly  the  same  amount,  disbursed  through  the  different  departments.  The  exports 
last  year  amounted  to  219,607,672  milreis  and  the  imports  to  78,372,979  milreis.  With  the 
wisdom  of  good  government,  the  money  of  the  State  has  been  employed  in  improving 
the  sanitary  conditions  of  the  less  favored  localities,  with  the  happy  result  that  a host  of 
country  towns,  formerly  decimated  by  fevers  as  a result  of  bad  drainage,  are  now  absolutely 
free  from  such  diseases.  Even  where  the  work  has  been  only  partially  completed  the  per- 
centage of  mortality  has  been  materially  reduced,  the  vital  statistics  of  the  State  showing  it 
to  be  less  than  two  per 
cent  of  the  population, 
per  annum. 

As  the  chief  seat  of 
government  of  the  State, 

Sao  Paulo  is  the  place 
of  residence  of  many 
distinguished  statesmen 
and  politicians ; as  a 
great  educational  centre, 
it  attracts  the  leading 
scholars ; and  as  the  cen- 
tral distributing  point  for 
the  vast  industries  of  the 
interior,  it  is  the  home  of 
a number  of  Sao  Paulo’s 
rich  “captains  of  in- 
dustry.” The  palaces 
of  the  government,  the 
various  institutions  of 
the  municipality,  and 
a great  number  of  es- 
tablishments represent- 
ing private  enterprise 
and  philanthropy,  give 

a metropolitan  aspect  to  the  capital,  which  is  further  noted  in  the  appearance  and  bearing  of 
the  people.  The  name  of  Sao  Paulo,  first  bestowed  by  the  Jesuits  on  their  college,  which 
was  inaugurated  on  the  fast  day  commemorative  of  the  conversion  of  St.  Paul,  was  legally 


RUA  DIREITA,  SAO  PAULO. 


208 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


given  to  the  city  by  Mem  de  Sa,  Governor-General  of  Brazil,  in  1^60,  when  it  was  christened 
Sao  Paulo  de  Piratininga.  At  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  capitania  of  Sao 

Vicente,  in  which  Sao  Paulo  was  sit- 
uated, was  separated  from  Rio  de 
Janeiro  and  took  the  name  of  the 
capitania  of  Sao  Paulo;  and  in  1815^, 
when  the  capitanias  were  abolished, 
the  city  became  the  capital  of  the 
province  of  Sao  Paulo.  Its  subse- 
quent history  is  well  known,  and 
the  record  of  its  glorious  share  in  the 
victories  of  freedom  and  the  names 
of  its  great  heroes  are  preserved  in 
the  monuments,  public  parks  and 
avenues  which  adorn  the  city.  An 
important  point  of  interest  for  all  vis- 
itors to  the  city  is  Ypiranga,  the  splen- 
did monument  erected,  in  1885",  on  the 
spot  where  the  proclamation  of  the 
independence  of  Brazil  was  made  in 
1822;  it  is  one  of  the  finest  works  of 
architecture  in  Brazil,  designed  not 
only  to  commemorate  this  glorious 
event,  but  also  to  serve  as  an  insti- 
tution of  learning.  The  architect  of 
this  noble  edifice  is  Cavaliere  Tom- 
maso  G.  Bezzi,  whose  genius  is  demonstrated  in  the  beauty  of  its  design  and  the  perfect 
harmony  of  its  magnificent  proportions.  The  museum  of  Ypiranga  contains  treasures  of 
great  historical  and  scientific  interest,  many  curious  and  valuable  relics,  also  some  of  the 
finest  paintings  of  Brazilian  artists.  In  the  department  of  taxidermy  are  preserved  more 
than  six  hundred  specimens  of  humming-birds,  those  dainty  little  exquisites  of  the  forest 
that  build  their  nests  so  very  tiny  that  they  are  obliged  gradually  to  spread  it  out  as  the 
nestlings  grow,  until,  by  the  time  the  little  ones  are  ready  to  take  flight,  it  is  perfectly  flat. 
The  Loiivadeiis  [Praise  God]  grasshopper,  that  regularly  makes  its  way  to  the  top  of  a 
bush  or  tree  and  puts  up  its  feelers  in  an  attitude  of  prayer,  is  another  curiosity  of  which 
many  specimens  are  preserved  in  this  museum;  and  of  butterflies  the  collection  is  appar- 
ently endless  in  variety.  Curiosities  of  the  mineral  as  well  as  of  the  animal  kingdom 
have  been  culled  from  every  available  source,  the  classification  being  so  systematically 
arranged  as  greatly  to  facilitate  inspection.  The  action  of  the  red  sand  of  this  district 
on  the  marble  of  the  edifice  has  given  it  something  of  the  appearance  of  old  ivory, 


DR.  MANOEL  JOAQUIM  DE  ALBUQUERQUE  LINS,  SECRETARY 
OF  FINANCE,  SAO  PAULO. 


SAO  PAULO 


209 


greatly  enhancing  its  effectiveness.  From  the  porticoes  of  Ypiranga  a splendid  view  of 
the  city  is  presented,  with  its  spires  and  towers  gleaming  in  the  sunlight. 

In  the  improvement  and  beauti- 
fying of  the  capital,  the  magnificent 
new  Prapa  da  Republica,  the  Avenida 
Paulista,  Avenida  Tiradentes,  Avenida 
Rangel  Pestana,  the  Alameda  Antonio 
Prado,  Rua  Visconde  do  Rio-Branco, 
and  others  bear  titles  which  show 
how  very  dear  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people  is  the  memory  of  their  patriotic 
triumphs  and  of  the  statesmen  who 
have  represented  the  highest  ideals  of 
liberty.  In  the  utilitarian  tendencies  of 
modern  cities,  there  is,  unfortunately, 
a growing  disposition  to  abandon  this 
beautiful  custom  of  preserving  the 
names  of  the  country’s  heroes  on 
the  map  of  the  capital.  In  the  new 
suburbs,  famous  names  are  commem- 
orated, as  in  the  Villa  Prudente,  Villa 
Deodoro,  and  others.  Some  of  the 
older  streets  present  a very  attractive 
appearance,  though  narrower  and  less 
pretentious  than  their  more  modern 
rivals.  The  Rua  Sao  Bento,  Rua  Quinze 
de  Novembro,  and  Rua  Direita  are  busy  thoroughfares,  and  occupy  an  important  place  in  the 
“Triangle,”  as  the  commercial  centre  of  the  city  is  called.  From  the  Rua  Direita,  a viaduct, 
eight  hundred  feet  long  and  fifty  feet  in  width,  connects  the  old  with  the  new  city;  it  is 
know  as  the  Viaducto  Cha,  or  “tea  viaduct,”  because  extensive  tea  gardens  were  formerly 
cultivated  in  the  valley  beneath,  though  this  space  is  now  devoted  to  fruit  growing  and 
gardening. 

The  Government  Palace  and  the  chief  offices  of  the  administration  are  situated  overlook- 
ing the  Largo  do  Palacio,  in  the  centre  of  the  city,  from  which,  branching  out  in  all  directions, 
extend  the  principal  thoroughfares.  Throughout  the  city  are  to  be  found  many  handsome 
public  buildings,  institutions  of  the  State  or  of  the  municipality.  The  Municipal  Palace  over- 
looks the  Prapa  Municipal,  with  its  flower  gardens  and  fountains,  and  in  the  vicinity  is  the 
handsome  new  Municipal  Theatre,  occupying  a commanding  site  on  one  of  the  hills  of 
the  city,  at  the  extremity  of  the  Viaducto  Cha.  It  is  an  edifice  of  imposing  architecture 
and  costly  construction,  the  work  of  a Sao  Paulo  architect,  Dr.  Ramos  de  Azevedo,  who  has 


DR.  WASHINGTON  LUIZ  PEREIRA  DE  SOUZA,  SECRETARY 
OF  JUSTICE,  SAO  PAULO. 


210 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


designed  several  of  the  city’s  most  attractive  buildings.  In  appearance  and  capacity  it  com- 
pares with  the  best  theatres  of  Europe  and  North  America.  The  cost  is  estimated  at  a million 
dollars,  gold.  The  Palace  of  Congress,  the  Post  Office,  Exchange,  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
Public  Library,  the  Cathedral,  and  many  of  the  churches  and  convents,  of  which  there  are 
about  thirty  in  the  city,  are  among  the  public  buildings  notable  for  their  importance.  In  the 
northern  part  of  the  city  is  situated  the  beautiful  Jardim  Publico,  or  Jardim  da  Luz,  the  oldest 
park  of  the  capital,  which  was  originally  created  by  royal  charter  in  1790,  though  not  com- 
pleted until  1827,  when  it  was  opened  to  the  public  by  order  of  the  first  president  of  the 
province,  the  Viscount  de  Congonhas  do  Campo.  Overlooking  this  park  is  the  magnificent 
Estapao  da  Luz,  of  the  Sao  Paulo  railway,  one  of  the  largest  and  most  modern  railway 


AVENIDA  T1RADENTES,  SAO  PAULO. 


stations  of  the  world.  The  Lyceum  of  Arts  and  Trades  and  the  Prudente  de  Moraes  School 
also  overlook  the  Jardim  da  Luz,  and  near  at  hand  are  the  House  of  Correction  and  the 
immense  quartel  of  the  police  department. 

The  police  force  of  Sao  Paulo  is  one  of  the  best  organized  in  Brazil.  It  is  a military 
institution,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  Justice,  and  is  composed  of  two  battal- 
ions of  infantry,  a cavalry  company,  a fire  company,  and  a civil  guard.  A corps  of  hospital 
nurses  and  an  ambulance  service  are  also  at  the  call  of  the  police  department  to  render 
public  aid  when  needed.  There  are  five  thousand  men  on  the  force,  under  the  command 
of  a colonel  of  the  Federal  army.  The  Civil  Guard  performs  ordinary  police  duty,  unarmed, 
wearing  only  the  uniform  of  the  service  and  a police  badge.  In  the  correctional  colony, 
established  at  Pig  Island,  near  Ubatuba,  prisoners  are  set  to  work  on  the  farms  of  the 


SAO  PAULO 


21  1 


State,  in  many  cases  being 
transferred  from  solitary  con- 
finement when  good  conduct 
warrants  the  change.  Sao 
Paulo  is  the  first  State  of  the 
Union  to  test  on  a large  scale 
this  provision  of  the  penal  code. 

The  northern  limit  of  the 
capital  is  marked  by  the  tort- 
uous course  of  the  Tiete,  and 
beyond  lies  the  Serra  da  Can- 
tareira,  from  which  an  abun- 
dant water  supply  is  brought 

to  the  city.  By  the  energy  and  enterprise  of  the  government,  a magnificent  system  has  been 
installed  for  this  service;  and  through  the  especial  efforts  of  Dr.  Carlos  Botelho,  the  large 
water  supply  already  assured,  amounting  to  thirty-five  million  litres  daily,  has  recently  been 
further  increased  by  impounding  the  waters  below  the  Cabucu  and  on  the  confines  of  the 
Engordador  and  Guarahu,  to  furnish  an  additional  supply  of  forty  million  litres  a day. 
The  light  and  power  company  of  Sao  Paulo  have  had  charge  of  many  of  the  notable 


MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  SAO  PAULO. 


PALACETE  ELIAS  CHAVES.  WHERE  SECRETARY  ROOT  RESIDED  DURING  HIS  VISIT  TO  SAO  PAULO. 


212 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


improvements  made  in  the  city  within  the  past  few  years,  such  as  establishing  the  electric 
street  railway  system,  and  lighting  the  metropolis  by  electricity.  The  city  has  now  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  arc  lights  and  more  than  five  thousand  incandescent  lights,  as  well 
as  five  thousand  gas  lamps  for  use  in  emergency. 

The  Avenida  Tiradentes  crosses  the  northern  part  of  the  city,  extending  as  far  as  the 
river  Tiete;  a trip  in  one  of  the  rapid  electric  street  cars  affords  a charming  prospect,  with  a 
view  of  some  of  the  city’s  important  public  institutions,  which  are  in  this  locality.  The 
Avenida  Rangel  Pestana,  extends  from  the  centre  of  the  city  eastward,  passing  through  the 
busy  district  of  Braz  and  by  the  Largo  da  Concordia,  with  its  interesting  market  place. 
In  the  southern  district,  the  Rua  da  Liberdade,  Rua  Santo  Amaro,  and  Rua  da  Consolagao 


AVENIDA  PAULISTA,  SAO  PAULO. 


lead  to  the  magnificent  Avenida  Paulista,  the  most  beautiful  boulevard  of  the  capital,  on 
which  some  of  the  handsomest  residences  are  located.  The  Avenida  is  adorned  by 
hundreds  of  shade  trees,  is  paved  with  asphalt,  as  is  all  the  modern  part  of  the  capital,  and 
lighted  by  electricity,  with  which  the  entire  city  is  so  well  supplied.  Near  one  extremity  of 
the  Avenida  is  the  Jardim  da  Acclimagao,  or  botanical  garden,  and  from  the  other  may  be 
seen  the  charming  suburban  Villa  Cerquiera  Cesar. 

The  suburbs  of  Sao  Paulo  are  picturesque  in  scenery  and  attractive  in  the  variety  and 
elegance  of  their  many  handsome  residences.  A drive  out  to  Santa  Cecilia  and  Palmeiras, 
along  the  beautiful  Rua  das  Palmeiras,  or  to  Villa  Buarque  and  Hygienopolis,  is  a charming 
passeio.  Here  several  of  the  millionaires  of  Sao  Paulo  have  palatial  homes,  unsurpassed  in 
splendor  and  luxury  by  the  great  mansions  of  Europe.  At  Hygienopolis  is  the  beautiful 
home  of  Count  de  Penteado,  and  a number  of  other  handsome  villas.  This  part  of  the  city 


SAO  PAULO 


213 


is  almost  entirely  occupied  by  residences  of  wealthy  Paulistas,  and  its  broad  driveways  and 
shaded  promenades  make  it  one  of  the  city’s  most  popular  suburban  districts. 

Counsellor  Antonio  Prado  is  now  the  Prefect  of  Sao  Paulo.  It  was  by  invitation  of  this 
distinguished  Paulista  that  Secretary  Root  visited  Sao  Paulo  during  his  stay  in  Brazil.  He 
was  handsomely  entertained  by  the  Sao  Paulo  people;  and  one  of  the  most  elegant  and 
beautiful  homes  of  the  capital,  the  Palacete  Chaves,  was  placed  at  his  disposal  through  the 
gracious  hospitality  of 
Senhora  Anesia  da  Silva 
Prado  e Chaves.  The 
Palacete  Carvalho,  the 
residence  of  the  Prefect, 
is  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  imposing  of 
the  many  stately  homes 
of  Sao  Paulo.  The  pro- 
gressive spirit  shown 
in  every  department  of 
the  municipal  govern- 
ment under  the  direction 
of  Counsellor  Antonio 
Prado,  is  the  reflection 
of  that  eminent  states- 
man’s genius  and  patri- 
otism. The  indefatigable 
energy  necessary  to  ac- 
complish all  the  im- 
provements which  have 
taken  place  during  his 
administration  is  re- 
markable. Sao  Paulo 
is  to-day  a thoroughly 
modern  metropolis,  with 
rapid  transit,  electric 

light  and  power,  and  miles  of  asphalt  pavements,  its  broad  avenues  presenting  an  animated 
appearance  during  the  favorite  hours  of  recreation,  when  a great  many  smart  equipages, 
automobiles,  etc.,  are  to  be  seen.  Along  with  these  material  advantages  the  best  conditions 
prevail  for  the  health  and  happiness  of  a great  community. 

The  sanitation  of  the  city  is  under  the  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior, 
Dr.  Gustavo  de  Godoy,  who  gives  it  constant  and  careful  attention.  The  management  of 
this  branch  of  his  department  is  in  the  hands  of  a Board  of  Sanitary  Service,  which  is 


RUA  SAO  BENTO,  A BUSY  THOROUGHFARE  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


214 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


organized  for  the  scientific  study  of  all  questions  relating  to  public  health ; to  the  nature, 
cause,  treatment,  and  prevention  of  contagious  diseases;  to  the  best  methods  for  securing 

defensive  and  preventative  safeguards 
against  disease  by  sanitary  vigilance, 
hospital  aid,  isolation,  and  disinfection ; 
and  to  medical  and  pharmaceutical 
inspection.  In  the  various  institu- 
tions which  are  conducted  under  the 
management  of  the  Board,  every 
possible  phase  of  the  question  of 
public  health  receives  especial  care 
and  study.  The  Bacteriological  In- 
stitute is  organized,  as  the  name  im- 
plies, for  the  purpose  of  studying 
bacteriology  in  general ; but  its  par- 
ticular object  is  to  find  out  the  causes 
of  the  epidemic,  endemic,  and  epizootic 
diseases  most  frequently  occurring  in 
the  State,  and  to  make  microscopic 
examinations  when  necessary  to  aid 
in  clinical  diagnoses.  In  the  Laboratory  of  Analysis  all  food  products,  drugs,  medical  pre- 
parations, and  everything  of  this  character  which  affects  the  public  health,  are  analysed, 
thus  providing  against  harmful  adulterations.  The  Vaccinogenic  and  Serumtherapic  Insti- 
tutes prepare  and  distribute  the  vaccine  to  be  used  against  smallpox,  and  the  serums  which 
are  so  efficacious  in  counteracting  pests  and  similar  evils.  A pharmaceutical  laboratory  is 
supported  by  the  Board,  in  which  prescriptions  are  filled,  drugs  and  disinfectants  supplied 
to  public  establishments,  and  ambulances  prepared  for  use  in  the  interior  of  the  State. 
Lazarettos,  or  pest  hospitals,  are  maintained  for  the  treatment  of  infectious  diseases,  and 
a complete  and  thoroughly  modern  disinfecting  service  has  charge  of  the  hygiene  of  all 
places  in  which  such  diseases  have  been  found.  Vaccination  is  obligatory,  and  many 
people  are  vaccinated  daily  in  the  central  office,  while  sanitary  inspectors  perform  this  duty 
in  the  districts  over  which  they  preside.  In  the  central  office  there  is  a room  set  apart  for 
the  inspection  of  wet  nurses  and  also  for  the  treatment  of  nursing  infants  of  paupers,  in 
which  daily  consultations  are  given  free  of  charge.  In  accordance  with  a government  decree 
issued  in  1906  the  whole  State  has  been  divided  into  fourteen  sanitary  districts  under 
inspectors,  forming  a complete  sanitary  police  service  of  the  highest  efficiency. 

Not  only  has  the  State  a wonderful  system  of  sanitary  service,  but  this  is  supplemented 
by  similar  enterprises,  supported  partly  by  the  government  and  partly  by  private  philan- 
thropy. The  Pasteur  Institute  of  Sao  Paulo  is  one  of  the  most  notable  institutions  of  Brazil. 
It  was  founded  in  1903  by  a few  philanthropic  men,  who  were  aided  in  their  noble  purpose 


A MODERN  OFFICE  BUILDING,  SAO  PAULO. 


SAO  PAULO 


2 1 5 


by  a public  subscription,  which,  added  to  their  individual  contributions,  provided  a fund  of 
about  ten  thousand  dollars  gold  for  its  establishment  and  maintenance.  The  Institute  is 
now  supported  by  a subsidy  from 
the  Federal  government,  a State  sub- 
sidy, by  private  gifts,  and  by  the  sale 
of  its  products.  Although  only  three 
years  old,  more  than  one  thousand 
two  hundred  patients  have  been 
treated  without  a single  failure.  In 
addition  to  inoculation  against  rabies, 
the  Institute  prepares  anti-diphtheric, 
anti-tetanic,  and  other  serums,  makes 
a special  study  of  tropical  diseases, 
and  has  classes  in  the  study  of  bac- 
teriology as  applied  to  medicine  and 
hygiene.  Dr.  A.  Carini,  a professor 
from  Berne  University,  Switzerland, 
is  the  director,  assisted  by  three  Bra- 
zilian physicians.  A great  deal  of  original  work  has  been  done  in  the  Institute  laboratory, 
some  of  which  has  attracted  the  attention  of  foreign  scientists. 

The  benefits  of  a perfect  sanitary  condition  of  the  city,  and  special  attention  to  the 
health  of  the  people,  have  made  the  citizens  themselves  more  careful  in  the  construction  of 
their  homes  to  provide  good  ventilation  and  drainage,  and  to  seek  the  protection  offered  by 
the  State  in  cases  of  infection.  There  is  entire  sympathy  with  the  efforts  of  the  authori- 
ties; the  desire  to  promote  the  general  welfare  is  a particular  characteristic  of  Sao  Paulo 
people  and  they  greet  new  improvements  with  interest  and  appreciation,  which  is  an  import- 
ant feature  in  municipal  advancement.  Among  other  modern  conveniences,  Sao  Paulo  has 
complete  telephone  communication,  not  only  in  the  capital  but  with  the  seaport  of  Santos, 

and  with  many  of  the  fazendas  in  the 
interior.  The  mail  delivery  is  well  es- 
tablished, and  the  city  has  the  best 
uniformed  district  messenger  service 
in  Brazil. 

There  are  several  manufacturing 
industries  in  Sao  Paulo,  among  others 
a factory  producing  the  finest  quality 
of  crystal  and  cut  glass.  Three  paper 
factories  have  grown  into  prosperous  conditions  since  the  inauguration  of  the  republic, 
and  there  are  several  spinning,  jute,  and  cotton  mills,  as  well  as  foundries  and  other 
enterprises. 


THE  VACCINE  INSTITUTE,  SAO  PAULO. 


A PICTURESQUE  SCENE  IN  THE  JARDIM  DA  LUZ,  SAO  PAULO. 


2l6 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


In  the  intellectual  development  of  Sao  Paulo,  nothing  has  been  neglected  which  could 
advance  the  interests  of  social  culture.  The  Instituto  Historico  e Geographico  of  Sao  Paulo 
is  affiliated  with  leading  scientific  societies  of  Europe  and  America  in  study  and  research. 
The  Society  of  Ethnography  and  Civilization  of  the  Indians  is  devoting  attention  to  studies 
especially  relating  to  the  ethnology  and  anthropology  of  Brazil,  to  which  some  of  its  distin- 
guished members  have  devoted  careful  and  extended  research.  The  Centre  of  Science, 
Literature  and  Art,  of  Campinas,  is  one  of  the  important  institutions  of  the  State.  Indeed, 
there  is  no  branch  of  intellectual  activity,  in  which  the  people  of  Sao  Paulo  have  not 
contributed  something  to  the  archives  of  their  country. 

The  Geographical  and  Geological  Commission  of  Sao  Paulo  has  done  service  of  particular 
importance,  not  only  to  science,  but  to  the  more  material  interests  of  the  State.  Through 

arrangement  by  the  govern- 
ment, and  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  distinguished  chief 
of  the  Commission,  Dr.  Joao 
Pedro  Cardoso,  explorations 
and  surveys  have  recently  been 
made  in  the  extreme  west  of 
the  State,  and  important  knowl- 
edge has  been  gained  of  its 
geography  and  geology,  of  the 
character  of  the  soil,  the  mineral 
resources  of  the  country,  and 
the  possibilities  of  economic 
development.  A botanical  gar- 
den has  been  established  in 
connection  with  the  work  of 
the  Commission,  in  which  are 
exhibited  specimens  of  the  flora  and  fauna  of  the  republic.  Experiments  in  the  culture  of 
various  plants  are  made  in  its  nurseries  and  conservatories,  and  the  Commission  recently 
introduced  a department  of  pisciculture.  About  a hundred  specimens  of  carp  were  brought 
from  the  United  States,  of  which  thirteen  arrived  in  perfect  condition  and  were  placed  in 
the  tank  of  the  garden.  A meteorological  service  has  been  installed,  which  is  doing  excel- 
lent work,  and  the  Commission  has  placed  at  the  service  of  the  public  a valuable  library  of 
works  on  natural  science. 

The  amount  of  money  spent  by  the  government  of  Sao  Paulo  in  the  interest  of  science 
is  greater  than  that  of  any  other  State  of  the  Union.  Every  year  a great  number  of 
pamphlets  are  distributed  by  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  to  all  parts  of  the  State,  containing 
information  and  instruction  on  a great  variety  of  industrial  matters.  About  forty  newspapers 
and  magazines  are  published  regularly  in  the  capital,  and  nearly  three  hundred  in  the  various 


GATEWAY  TO  THE  QUARTEL,  SAO  PAULO. 


SAO  PAULO 


217 


towns  of  the  State.  Every  town  has  its  public  library,  and  the  number  of  readers  in  Sao 
Paulo  exceeds  that  in  any  other  State  of  Brazil.  Next  to  the  Federal  capital,  Sao  Paulo  has 
the  greatest  number  of  book  stores  and  the  largest  book  sales  in  the  republic.  Its  people 
are  generally  well  informed  on  the  topics  of  the  day  both  at  home  and  abroad,  as  the  daily 
newspapers  are  supplied  with  associated  press  dispatches  from  all  over  the  world. 

Among  the  distinguished  names  which  are  preserved  in  the  archives  of  the  nation  as 
worthy  of  immortal  memory  are  many  belonging  to  noble  Paulistas.  The  great  patriot, 
Jose  Bonifacio  de  Andrada,  was  born  in  this  State,  which  also  gave  to  Brazil  the  renowned 
statesman,  Antonio  Diogo  Feijo,  regent  of  the  empire  during  the  minority  of  Dom  Pedro  II., 
and  more  popularly  known  by  his  ecclesiastical  title,  Father  Feijo.  He  was  a successful 


RESIDENCE  OF  COUNT  ALVARES  PENTEADO,  SAO  PAULO. 


public  leader,  and  began  his  career  as  a priest  and  a teacher  in  the  towns  of  Campinas  and 
Itu,  in  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  where  he  was  born.  His  first  entrance  into  the  arena  of 
politics  was  made  when  he  was  elected  Deputy  from  Sao  Paulo  to  the  Cortes  at  Lisbon,  in 
1821,  where  he  attracted  attention  by  a powerful  and  fearless  speech  in  defence  of  Brazilian 
rights.  He  was  afterward  elected  to  the  national  legislature  of  Brazil,  taking  his  seat  among 
the  members  of  the  Liberal  opposition.  At  the  first  session,  he  created  a sensation  by 
proposing  the  abolition  of  clerical  celibacy,  and  the  next  year  published  his  reasons  in  a 
pamphlet  on  the  subject.  He  was  appointed  regent  of  the  empire  in  1837,  the  highest  office 
in  the  government  at  that  time,  refusing,  on  the  day  before  this  appointment,  the  bishopric 
of  Marianna.  When  Vasconcellos  deserted  the  Liberals,  and  formed  the  new  Conservative 
party  opposed  to  the  regency,  he  attacked  Father  Feijo  with  the  most  powerful  weapons 


2l8 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


of  the  parliament  and  the  press,  and  the  regent  resigned,  rather  than  compromise  in  any 
particular  under  the  pressure  put  upon  him,  and  retired  to  Sao  Paulo,  where  he  died  in  1843. 
Carlos  Gomes,  the  composer,  was  born  in  this  State,  as  were  the  noted  botanist,  Joaquim 
Correa  de  Mello,  and  the  poet,  Manoel  A.  Alvares  de  Azevedo.  Three  presidents  of  the 
republic,  Dr.  Prudente  Moraes,  Dr.  Campos- Salles,  and  Dr.  Rodrigues  Alves,  first  learned 
the  principles  of  patriotism  in  a Sao  Paulo  home.  It  was  in  this  State  that  the  propagandists 
of  republicanism  made  their  most  ardent  campaign,  the  Convention  of  Itu,  which  was  held 
in  1873,  marking  the  initial  step  toward  the  accomplishment  of  the  great  purpose  that  found 
its  final  triumph  in  the  national  event  of  November  17,  1889. 


SANTA  CECILIA.  A SUBURB  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


PARK  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  SEMINARY,  SAO  PAULO. 


CHAPTER  XII 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 

JN  no  State  of  the  Brazilian  Union  has  the 
A question  of  education  received  greater 
attention  than  in  Sao  Paulo,  where  the 
schools  are  conducted  according  to  a thor- 
oughly modern  system  of  instruction,  from 
the  kindergarten  to  the  university.  The 
State  government  has  always  made  this 
department  the  object  of  especial  zeal  and 
solicitude;  and  within  the  past  few  years,  a 
remarkable  impulse  has  been  given  to  pop- 
ular education,  which  has  been  productive 
of  notable  results. 

Under  the  present  administration,  im- 
provements have  been  introduced  and  bene- 
ficial methods  adopted  in  every  branch  of 
instruction,  with  the  constant  approval  of  the 
public.  Not  only  are  all  the  schools  attended 
to  their  full  capacity,  but  the  demand  for 
such  institutions  is  so  urgent  that  the  gov- 
ernment has  deemed  it  necessary  to  levy  a 
special  tax  for  the  formation  of  an  educational 
fund  in  order  to  meet  the  growing  necessities  of  public  instruction.  New  preliminary 
schools  have  recently  been  established;  “single,”  or  ungraded,  schools,  and  “school  groups,” 
or  graded  schools,  have  been  installed  in  the  capital  and  in  the  towns  of  the  interior;  the 
Sao  Joao  group  in  the  capital,  and  those  of  Cagapava,  Avare,  Cambucy,  Porto  Feliz,  and 
Capivary  in  the  interior,  are  among  the  recent  acquisitions.  An  adequate  system  of 
instruction  has  been  arranged  for  these  institutions,  with  a programme  of  studies  which 

22  I 


DR.  GUSTAVO  DE  GODOY,  SECRETARY  OF  THE 
INTERIOR,  SAO  PAULO. 


222 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


is  practicable  and  suited  to  their  special  needs;  a new  school  for  secondary  instruction 
has  been  recently  opened,  the  Gymnasium  of  Ribeirao  Preto;  better  school  organization  has 
been  accomplished,  and  a more  suitable  classification  made  of  separate  or  ungraded  schools. 

The  system  of  public  education  in  Brazil  is  divided  into  primary,  secondary,  and 
superior  instruction.  In  Sao  Paulo,  primary  instruction  consists  of  two  courses,  preliminary 
and  complementary;  preliminary  training  is  given  in  ungraded  schools,  in  night  schools,  in 
graded  schools,  and  in  the  model  school.  Ungraded  schools  are  established  in  every  locality 
which  has  from  twenty  to  forty  children  of  school  age,  as  many  of  this  kind  being  installed 
as  necessary,  with  a proportion  of  forty  pupils  in  each.  When  a locality  has  more  than  two 
schools,  well  attended,  these  may  be  taught  in  the  same  building,  with  the  name  of  “united 
schools.”  There  are  in  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo  about  four  thousand  ungraded  schools  for 
both  sexes. 

In  order  to  provide  the  blessings  of  instruction  to  a class  who  from  poverty  or  neglect 
have  grown  up  to  adult  age  without  learning  to  read  and  write,  the  State  has  established 
night  schools  in  all  places  where  a probable  attendance  of  thirty  adult  pupils  may  be 
secured;  in  localities  where  there  are  factories,  these  schools  have  proved  a great  benefit;  in 
the  factory  towns  both  day  and  night  schools  are  conducted  for  the  instruction  of  boys  and 
girls.  Fortunately,  the  government  has  not  yet  had  to  face  the  terrible  problem  of  child 
labor  which  is  so  seriously  occupying  the  attention  of  educators  in  the  crowded  cities  of 
Europe  and  North  America.  But  if  that  day  come,  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  government 
of  Sao  Paulo  will  be  prepared  to  meet  it  successfully,  as  every  administration  brings  forward 
some  measure  calculated  to  afford  better  protection  to  the  helpless  poor  and  to  defenceless 
childhood. 

Graded  schools,  or  school  groups,  as  they  are  called  in  Brazil,  are  formed  in  every  locality 
in  which  the  school  census  shows  that  there  are  two  hundred  pupils  of  each  sex;  towns 
of  considerable  population  may  have  two  or  more  school  groups.  In  the  various  towns  and 
cities  of  the  State  there  are  seventy-seven  school  groups,  sixteen  of  which  are  in  the  capital, 
and  two  in  each  of  the  cities  of  Santos,  Campinas,  Jundiahy,  Amparo,  and  Piracicaba. 
The  new  Escola  de  Moraes  Barros  in  Piracicaba  is  a handsome  modern  institution. 

Model  Schools  are  conducted  in  connection  with  the  Normal  School,  and  serve  as  the 
type,  or  model,  for  school  groups  as  to  organization,  methods,  and  plans  of  teaching.  Their 
especial  object  is  to  afford  practical  experience  in  teaching  and  in  school  management  to  the 
pupils  of  the  Normal  School.  The  Model  Schools  of  the  districts  of  Braz  and  Luz,  as  well 
as  those  in  the  more  central  part  of  the  city,  are  installed  in  large  and  commodious  buildings. 
It  is  both  interesting  and  entertaining  to  visit  these  Model  Schools  and  to  see  the  children  at 
their  lessons,  which  they  seem  to  enjoy  thoroughly  and  to  have  great  facility  in  learning. 
Brazilian  children  are,  as  a rule,  very  teachable  and  are  easily  disciplined  through  an  appeal 
to  their  self-respect  and  dignity.  In  aid  of  their  ready  acquisition  of  knowledge  they  possess 
a wonderful  command  of  language  in  expressing  their  ideas.  The  course  of  training  in  the 
preliminary  classes  extends  over  four  years.  In  ungraded  schools  and  night  classes,  the  year 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 


223 

begins  on  January  2£th  and  closes  on  December  23d;  in  the  school  groups  and  the  Model 
Schools,  the  school  year  lasts  from  February  1st  to  November  30th.  The  “Seminario  de 


EPISCOPAL  SEMINARY.  SAO  PAULO. 


Educandas”  is  the  name  given  to  a boarding  school  for  destitute  orphan  girls  which  is 
maintained  by  the  government  for  the  protection,  instruction,  and  moral  training  of  these 
unfortunate  children.  In  this  excellent  institution  they  are  brought  up  with  proper  care, 
and  are  taught  the  domestic  duties  appropriate  to  their  sex  and  condition. 

In  a beautiful  building,  which  occupies  a favored  locality  on  the  extensive  grounds  of 
the  State  Normal  School,  the  Jardim  da  Infancia,  or  kindergarten  of  Sao  Paulo  is  established. 
It  is  annexed  to  the  Normal  School,  and  is  under  the  direction  of  the  teachers  of  that 
institution.  Two  hundred  children  of  both  sexes,  from  four  to  six  years  of  age,  receive 
daily  instruction  here,  according  to  the  Froebel  system  of  kindergarten  training.  It  is  one 
of  the  best  equipped  institutions  of  the  capital  and  is  equal  to  the  best  of  its  kind  in  Europe 
or  America.  The  school  rooms  are  perfectly  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  their 
small  occupants. 

The  complementary  course  of  primary  instruction  is  given  in  what  are  called  comple- 
mentary schools,  and  is  equivalent  to  a primary  normal  course.  Pupils  of  both  sexes  are 
trained  in  these  institutions,  the  course  requiring  four  years  of  practical  training.  There  are 
five  complementary,  or  primary  normal,  schools  in  the  State,  one  in  each  of  the  cities  of  Sao 
Paulo,  Piracicaba,  Campinas,  Itapetininga  and  Guaratingueta.  Each  of  these  has  its  library, 
cabinet  of  physics,  chemical  laboratory  and  collections  of  natural  history. 

Overlooking  the  beautiful  Praga  da  Republica  and  occupying  a whole  square  in  the 
central  part  of  the  city,  the  Normal  School  of  Sao  Paulo  is  in  appearance  the  most  imposing 


224 


THE  HEIV  BRAZIL 


educational  institution  of  the  capital.  It  was  founded  during  the  administration  of  Dr. 
Prudente  Moraes,  and  has  proved  of  invaluable  service  in  the  training  of  teachers  for  the 
various  schools  of  the  State.  The  normal  course  extends  over  four  years,  the  practical 
teaching  beginning  each  year  on  the  ist  of  March  and  ending  on  the  30th  of  November. 
The  spacious  rooms  of  this  school  are  airy  and  well  ventilated,  the  furniture  is  of  the  most 
convenient  and  modern  design;  everything  is  arranged  in  such  a way  as  to  facilitate  the 
teacher’s  work,  and  the  various  departments  are  fitted  up  with  all  that  a teacher  requires, 
either  for  study  or  practice.  The  library  contains  more  than  twelve  thousand  volumes, 
there  is  a cabinet  of  physics  and  one  of  natural  history,  a chemical  laboratory,  and  a 
pedagogical  museum;  rooms  are  provided  for  manual  work,  for  the  storage  of  teaching 
apparatus,  and  for  gymnastic  and  military  exercises.  Probably  no  Normal  School  in 
America  is  better  equipped  or  more  handsomely  installed  than  the  Sao  Paulo  school,  which 
calls  forth  the  admiration  of  all  educators  who  visit  it. 

Secondary  instruction  is  given  in  three  institutions  which  are  supported  by  the  State; 
the  gymnasium  of  the  capital,  the  gymnasium  of  Campinas  and  the  gymnasium  of  Ribeirao 
Preto.  The  course  in  a gymnasium  of  Brazil  is  equivalent  to  that  of  an  English  grammar 
school  or  an  American  high  school.  The  course  covers  six  years  and  the  yearly  term 
begins  April  1 5th  and  closes  December  113th.  The  graduate  of  this  school  receives  the 
degree  or  diploma  of  Bachelor  of  Sciences  and  Letters,  which  entitles  him  to  matriculate  in 
any  of  the  schools  for  superior  instruction.  The  gymnasiums  are  provided  with  libraries, 
cabinets  of  physics,  and  of  natural  history,  a chemical  laboratory  and  materials. 


NORMAL  SCHOOL  SAO  PAULO. 


For  superior  instruction,  the  Faculty  of  Law  of  Sao  Paulo  is  maintained  by  the  Federal 
government  and  the  Polytechnic  School  is  supported  out  of  the  funds  of  the  State. 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 


22^ 


The  law  course  covers  five  years,  the  yearly  period  of  instruction  being  from  the  ist  of 
April  to  the  14th  of  November.  The  graduate  receives  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Legal  and 


KINDERGARTEN,  SAO  PAULO 


Social  Science,  entitling  him  to  pursue  the  career  of  lawyer,  magistrate,  public  minister, 
notary,  diplomatic  official  or  consular  representative.  The  faculty  possesses  a most  valuable 
library,  of  nearly  fifty  thousand  volumes,  which  is  free  to  the  public.  An  academic  review 
is  published  by  the  faculty  annually. 

The  Polytechnic  School  of  Sao  Paulo  is  the  pride  of  the  State,  and  its  graduates  are 
constantly  attaining  prominent  positions  at  home  and  abroad,  as  a result  of  the  splendid 
system  of  training  which  is  here  given.  Instruction  is  provided  in  two  fundamental  and 
nine  special  courses,  beginning  each  year  on  the  ist  of  September  and  closing  on  the  31st  of 
May.  The  diplomas  conferred  on  the  graduates  of  this  institution  are  recognized  officially 
throughout  the  republic.  A new  course  in  electricity  has  recently  been  added  to  the 
curriculum  of  studies.  The  school  is  equipped  with  all  necessary  cabinets,  laboratories, 
machinery,  apparatus,  instruments,  specimens  and  utensils  required  for  practical  instruction 
in  the  various  courses.  It  is  provided  also  with  a “field  for  experiment,”  in  which  practical 
teaching  is  given  in  agronomics.  An  excellent  review  is  published  annually  by  the  school, 
called  the  “Annuario  da  Escola  Polytechnica  de  Sao  Paulo.” 

In  connection  with  popular  education,  the  State  maintains  a public  library,  in  which  are 
many  valuable  scientific  and  literary  works  of  great  merit,  as  well  as  a number  of  maps, 
charts,  manuscripts,  and  periodicals.  The  collection  embraces  about  fifty  thousand  volumes. 


226 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


Besides  the  library,  a gallery  of  paintings  is  owned  by  the  State,  and  kept  open  for  the 
public.  The  Paulista  museum,  installed  at  Ypiranga,  which  was  referred  to  in  a previous 
chapter,  has  recently  added  specimens  of  world-wide  interest  to  its  ethnographic  and 
archeologic  collections,  which  are  of  extraordinary  value.  A review  of  the  museum  has 
been  published  annually  for  the  past  six  years. 

The  Lyceum  of  Arts  and  Crafts,  which  occupies  a spacious  building  on  the  east  side  of 
the  magnificent  Jardim  Publico,  is  one  of  the  many  important  educational  institutions  of  the 
State  which  devote  especial  attention  to  practical  instruction  for  the  laboring  classes.  In 
this  school  all  the  trades  are  taught,  such  as  tailoring,  shoemaking,  carpenter’s  work,  the 
work  of  foundries,  machine  shops,  etc.,  as  well  as  printing,  bookbinding  and  similar  crafts. 

Closely  identified  in  purpose  and  in  practice  are  the  educational  and  charitable  institu- 
tions of  the  State.  In  addition  to  the  schools  maintained  by  the  government  there  are 

many  establishments  of  in- 
struction, primary,  secondary, 
and  superior,  which  are  sup- 
ported by  philanthropic  individ- 
uals and  benevolent  societies, 
as  well  as  by  religious  orders. 
Among  these,  the  Associagao 
Feminina  Beneficente  e In- 
structiva  is  particularly  worthy 
of  mention,  as  it  maintains 
about  fifty  primary  schools. 
It  has  also  in  charge  a lyceum 
for  girls,  a refuge  for  fallen 
women,  a creche  for  the  chil- 
dren of  poor  working  women, 
a printing  office,  and  workshops 
for  seamstresses  and  flower  venders.  The  wide  scope  of  this  institution,  which  is  both 
educational  and  charitable,  makes  it  one  of  the  greatest  powers  for  good  in  the  State. 

The  Collegio  D.  Carolina  Tamandare,  and  the  Institute  D.  Anna  Rosa,  have  similar 
purposes,  nobly  seeking  to  elevate  the  poor  and  abandoned  children  of  misfortune,  by 
giving  them  shelter,  providing  for  their  moral  and  mental  training,  and  preparing  them  to 
earn  an  honest  living  and  to  become  worthy  citizens.  The  Salesian  fathers  maintain  a 
lyceum  for  the  primary  and  technical  instruction  of  poor  boys,  which  provides  for  both 
boarding  and  day  pupils. 

Mackenzie  College,  which  is  one  of  the  important  educational  establishments  of  Sao 
Paulo,  is  a North  American  institution,  maintained  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Horace  Lane, 
who  has  lived  many  years  in  Sao  Paulo,  and  has  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a number 
of  the  graduates  of  this  college  fill  positions  of  the  greatest  prominence  in  their  own  and 


PRUDENTE  MORAES  SCHOOL,  SAO  PAULO. 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  FAULO 


227 


foreign  countries.  The  Escola  Americana,  of  Piracicaba,  is  also  a North  American  school, 
in  which  the  method  of  instruction  taught  by  the  Normal  Schools  of  the  United  States  has 
been  successfully  practised  for 
more  than  twenty  years. 

The  Episcopal  Seminary, 
which  stands  on  the  corner  of 
the  square  facing  the  Jardim 
Publico,  is  one  of  the  beautiful 
edifices  of  Sao  Paulo.  It  is 
dedicated  to  the  purpose  of 
preparing  candidates  for  an 
ecclesiastical  career;  annexed 
to  the  seminary  is  the  Dioc- 
esan College,  of  secondary  in- 
struction, for  the  study  of  the 

liberal  arts,  but  which  also  furnishes  a course  in  primary  training.  A practical  school  of 
commerce  and  a free  school  of  pharmacy  are  among  the  useful  institutions  for  training  in 
business  and  professional  knowledge.  Besides  these  there  are,  in  the  State,  innumerable 


POLYTECHNIC  SCHOOL,  SAO  PAULO. 


MODEL  SCHOOL  OF  BRAZ.  SAO  PAULO. 


private  schools  and  colleges,  among  others,  the  Gymnasio  Macedo  Soares,  Collegio  Model*  > 
Inglez,  Hvde-Croft  College,  Gymnasio  de  Sao  Bento,  I nstituto  de  Sciencias  e Letras,  Asvlo 


228 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


Sao  Joao,  Externato  Vautier,  Orphanato  Christo vam  Colombo,  Abrigo  Santa  Maria,  Exter- 
nato  Sao  Jose,  Collegio  de  Siao,  Kingston  College,  Orphanato  de  Santa  Anna,  Asylo  de 
Orphans  do  Ypiranga  (in  the  Capital);  Collegio  de  Sao  Luiz  and  Collegio  do  Patrocinio,  in 
Ytu;  Collegio  Nossa  Senhora  do  Carmo  and  Collegio  Sao  Jose,  in  Guaratingueta;  Collegio 
Sao  Joaquim,  in  Lorena;  Gymnasio  Nogueira  da  Gama,  in  Jacarehy;  Atheneu  Jahuense,  in 
Jahu;  Escola  do  Povo,  in  Sao  Vicente,  etc. 

The  government  of  Sao  Paulo  is  not  only  liberal  in  the  matter  of  education,  for  which 
millions  are  spent  every  year, — the  department  of  primary  instruction  alone  costing  more 
than  two  million  dollars  gold,  annually, — but  the  interests  of  the  poor  and  the  helpless  also 
receive  especial  care  and  generous  attention.  The  Insane  Asylum,  of  Juquery,  near  the  city 


COLLEGE  OF  LAW,  SAO  PAULO. 


of  Sao  Paulo,  is  established  on  the  most  liberal  basis,  and  according  to  the  best  system 
known  to  science  for  the  treatment  of  the  insane,  it  occupies  a large  and  commodious 
building,  and  is  conducted  in  the  manner  of  an  asylum  colony,  having  a farm  in  con- 
nection with  it,  where  the  patients  have  employment  out  of  doors,  and  at  the  same  time 
receive  the  mental  benefits  derived  from  occupation.  Those  for  whom  farm  work  is  not 
suitable,  have  lighter  employment  in  the  fruit  and  flower  gardens  which  belong  to  the 
asylum.  Women  are  employed  in  the  kitchen  and  the  laundry.  In  addition  to  the  general 
division  into  male  and  female  wards,  the  asylum  is  also  arranged  so  that  the  various 
grades  of  lunatics  are  separated  and  cared  for  according  to  individual  needs.  Those 
who  are  less  violent  are  allowed  as  much  freedom  as  possible,  and  all  the  patients  are 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 


229 


taken  daily  into  the  open  air  for  exercise  and  to  enjoy  the  restorative  effects  of  sunlight 
and  nature’s  glorious  scenery.  The  situation  of  the  asylum  is  picturesque  and  healthful. 

The  Maternity  Hospital,  which  is  beautifully  installed  in  a handsome  modern  building, 
near  the  Avenida  Paulista,  is  another  useful 
charity  protected  by  the  government  and 
noted  for  the  admirable  condition  in  which 
it  is  maintained,  the  excellent  management 
given  to  its  affairs,  and  the  great  value  of  the 
services  rendered.  The  Military  Hospital, 
located  in  the  vicinity  of  the  quartel,  in  the 
Luz  district,  provides  for  the  care  of  ill  and 
wounded  soldiers.  The  hospital  and  the 
spacious  grounds  surrounding  it  occupy  a 
large  square  near  the  picturesque  Jardim 
Publico,  in  which  its  convalescents  may 
frequently  be  seen  enjoying  a promenade. 

Under  the  name  of  “ Dispensarios,”  the 
government  maintains  sanatory  offices,  or  postos,  in  various  places,  for  the  treatment  of 
consumptives  of  the  poorest  class.  The  dispensarios  “Clemente  Ferreira”  and  “ Dr.  Claudio 
de  Souza”  are  two  of  the  most  important  of  these  institutions.  The  Minister  of  Interior 
is  giving  particular  attention,  and  with  gratifying  success,  to  the  eradication  of  a troublesome 
disease  which  was  brought  over  from  Europe  about  twenty  years  ago,  called  trachites 
(conjunctivitis  granulosis),  and  which  spread  over  the  interior  towns.  The  chief  feature 
of  the  malady  is,  as  its  name  indicates,  a granular  formation  in  the  eyes  which  causes 
great  inflammation.  It  rarely  assumes  a chronic  form,  and  under  the  present  systematic 

measures  of  combating  the 
evil,  it  is  rapidly  disappearing. 

The  Sociedade  de  Bene- 
ficencia  Portugueza,  is  one  of 
the  most  important  charitable 
organizations  of  the  State,  ma- 
terially aiding  the  government 
in  the  care  of  the  poor  and 
destitute  in  all  the  principal 
towns.  In  the  capital,  a Portu- 
guese hospital  has  been  estab- 
lished with  the  funds  of  this 
society;  it  occupies  a large  modern  building  in  the  central  district,  and  is  equipped  with 
the  latest  appliances  for  hospital  service,  and  provides  accommodation  for  hundreds  of 
patients  annually.  The  Hospital  Umberto  I.  is  maintained  by  the  Italian  residents.  It  is 


MACKENZIE  COLLEGE.  SAO  PAULO. 


230 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


a spacious  and  handsomely  constructed  edifice,  situated  near  the  Avenida  Paulista,  in  the 
picturesque  western  district  of  the  city. 

The  Santa  Casa  da  Misericordia  is  the  oldest  charitable  institution  of  the  State  and  the 
most  celebrated  for  the  noble  benefactions  which  it  has  rendered  to  the  suffering  and 
unfortunate.  Not  only  are  patients  received  in  this  hospital  and  its  branches  in  every  part 
of  the  State,  but  they  are  admitted  also  from  neighboring  states.  The  history  of  this 
remarkable  charity  is  almost  as  ancient  as  that  of  the  capital,  and  its  benefactions  are 
recorded  in  old  books  and  manuscripts  dating  back  to  the  seventeenth  century.  In  1827 
the  hospital  was  installed  in  a chacara  in  the  Rua  da  Gloria,  where  it  remained  until  trans- 
ferred to  the  present  site,  a few  years  ago.  This  stately  edifice,  which  covers  an  entire 
square  in  the  picturesque  Villa  Buarque,  on  the  avenue  leading  to  Hygienopolis,  is  the 


MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL.  SAO  PAULO. 


largest  hospital  in  the  State,  and  one  of  the  largest  in  Brazil.  The  average  number  of 
patients  treated  daily  in  the  Santa  Casa  da  Misericordia  is  between  five  hundred  and  fifty 
and  six  hundred,  and  the  demand  for  accommodation  being  greater  than  the  institution 
can  supply,  it  is  probable  the  building  will  be  still  further  enlarged.  In  the  Foundling 
Asylum,  which  is  connected  with  the  hospital  and  its  farm  colonies,  about  three  hundred 
children  are  being  cared  for;  the  Santa  Casa  provides  for  and  educates  these  little  ones, 
keeping  them  until  they  are  old  enough  to  go  out  to  service.  A comparison  between  the 
expenses  of  the  institution  in  1874,  when  they  amounted  to  28,000  milreis,  and  in  1904  when 
the  disbursement  was  722,000  milreis,  affords  an  idea  of  the  increasing  usefulness  of  this 
great  charity.  The  Santa  Casa  da  Misericordia  was  founded  by  the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  and 
is  still  maintained  by  them,  with  such  aid  as  the  benevolent  public  render  in  the  form  of 
donations.  The  medical  staff  of  the  hospital  includes  the  most  skilful  and  scientific 


SCHOOLS  AND  CHARITIES  OF  SAO  PAULO 


231 


surgeons  and  physicians  of  the  State.  The  director 
of  the  hospital  clinic  is  Dr.  Arnaldo  Vieira  de  Car- 
valho, who  is  also  president  of  the  Society  of  Physi- 
cians and  Surgeons  of  Sao  Paulo.  Dr.  Vieira  has 
achieved  considerable  distinction  in  Europe  through 
his  successful  surgical  operations,  especially  in  gas- 
troectomy,  in  which  he  made  the  third  and  most 
notable  on  record,  his  patient  living  for  two  years 
after  the  removal  of  the  stomach.  The  administra- 
tion of  the  Santa  Casa  is  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Alberto  da  Silva  e Souza,  to  whose  manage- 
ment is  due  tire  admirable  system  that  prevails  in 
every  department  of  the  large  establishment.  A 
statement  of  the  hospital  for  the  year  1906  shows 
that,  out  of  seven  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
nine  patients  brought  to  the  hospital  during  the  year,  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  entered  in 
a dying  condition,  one  hundred  and  sixteen  were  in  an  advanced  state  of  tuberculosis,  and 
ninety-four  per  cent  of  the  remaining  cases  were  cured. 

Many  of  the  church  societies  support  charities  for  the  poor,  the  aged  and  infirm,  and 
helpless  children.  The  Samaritan  Hospital,  the  Asylum  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  the  Asylum 
for  Foundlings,  and  other  institutions  are  beautiful  evidences  of  the  kind  hearts  and  open 
hands  which  are  constantly  ready  to  meet  and  answer  the  appeal  of  charity. 

Progress  in  a nation  may  be  measured  in  a great  degree  by  the  character  and  develop- 
ment of  its  schools  and  charities.  As  the  home  is  the  chief  bulwark  of  the  State,  the  school 
is  the  great  elevating  and  improving  influence  upon  the  home.  Without  the  refining  power 


INSANE  ASYLUM  AT  JUQUERY,  SAO  PAULO. 


2 3 “ 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


of  education,  the  family  degenerates,  and  through  the  family  the  nation.  But  where  schools 
flourish  and  children  grow  up  in  an  atmosphere  of  mental  culture  the  national  vigor  is 
stimulated  and  increasing  strength  assured.  It  is  always  an  encouraging  sign  when  the 
government  of  a country  is  seriously  occupied  with  the  question  of  educational  advance- 
ment. Scarcely  less  important  than  its  schools  as  an  index  to  the  real  spirit  and  genuine 
worth  of  a people  is  the  attitude  of  the  State  toward  its  poor  and  helpless  wards.  Institu- 
tions of  charity,  hospitals,  asylums  for  the  aged  and  infirm,  indicate  the  humanitarian 
principles  that  guide  the  noble  and  great  of  all  times  and  conditions.  Without  schools  and 
charities,  civilization  would  remain  a weak  and  ill-nourished  infant,  incapable  of  sturdy 
growth  or  development.  More  especially  since  the  inauguration  of  the  republic  has  the 
government  of  Sao  Paulo  devoted  unremitting  attention  to  the  interests  of  education  and 
the  improvement  of  charitable  institutions  under  State  protection.  Recognizing  the  neces- 
sity for  increasing  the  opportunities  offered  to  the  poorer  classes  for  a useful  and  practical 
training  during  childhood,  before  they  are  forced  to  take  a place  among  wage-earners,  and 
to  begin  the  struggle  for  self-support,  and  realizing  the  importance  of  sheltering  the  unfortu- 
nate and  invalid  poor,  it  has  been  the  constant  aim  of  the  successive  administrations  to  build 
up  and  thoroughly  equip  the  educational  and  charitable  institutions,  which  are  the  pride  and 
honor  of  the  State. 


MILITARY  HOSPITAL,  SAO  PAULO. 


LUIZ  DE  QUEIROZ  SCHOOL  OF  AGRICULTURE,  AT  PIRACICABA,  STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 

r"THE  State  of  Sao  Paulo  possesses  every  advan- 
A tage  that  nature  can  bestow  to  make  it  the 
richest  agricultural  country  of  the  globe.  A favorable 
geographical  position,  a healthful  and  an  invigorating 
climate,  an  extremely  fertile  soil,  and  a magnificent 
river  system  combine  to  constitute  it  an  ideal  land 
of  natural  production.  In  coffee  growing,  the  indus- 
try which  has  received  special  attention,  this  State 
has  excelled  all  competitors,  so  completely  that  they 
might  drop  out  of  the  race  without  their  absence  being 
felt  in  the  markets  of  the  world.  And  as  the  people 
are  now  more  generally  also  devoting  their  energy 
and  enterprise  to  other  branches  of  agriculture,  it  is 
safe  to  predict  that,  within  a few  years,  the  records 
of  foreign  trade  will  show  important  statements  re- 
garding Sao  Paulo’s  exports  of  sugar,  cotton,  tobacco, 
rice,  cocoa,  wine,  and  fruits.  At  present  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  sugar  cane  is  developing  with  greatest 
success  in  that  part  of  the  State  which  lies  within  the  Tropic  of  Capricorn,  especially  in  the 
central  region  around  Piracicaba,  and  farther  north,  in  the  section  of  which  Ribeirao  Preto  is 
the  chief  centre.  It  is  also  a very  profitable  industry  in  the  southeastern  section  within  the 
tropics,  along  the  course  of  the  Parahvba  River.  South  of  the  tropical  line,  which  crosses 
the  State,  passing  through  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo,  very  little  sugar  is  cultivated,  though  it 
grows  exuberantly  wherever  planted  in  the  coast  district,  and  especially  along  the  course  of 
the  Ribeira  de  Iguape  and  its  tributaries.  On  the  plateau  west  of  the  Serra  do  Mar,  the  land 
is  not  so  suitable  for  sugar  culture,  but  is  particularly  adapted  to  cattle  raising,  as  it  embraces 
some  of  the  best  pasture  lands  of  the  State.  Although  so  little  attention  has  been  given  to 


PIRACICABA  CASCADE,  SAO  PAULO. 


2^6 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


sugar  planting  in  the  coast  region,  the  largest  plantations  being  located  along  the  course  of 
the  great  tributaries  of  the  Parana  and  their  affluents,  yet  the  future  promises  immense 
wealth  from  the  sugar  cane  of  the  coast,  when  this  district  shall  be  made  to  yield  the 
enormous  harvests  which  the  favorable  conditions  of  its  soil  and  climate  make  possible. 
A great  advantage  in  the  establishment  of  large  sugar  plantations  and  refineries  in  the  coast 
district  lies  in  the  greater  facilities  afforded  for  export,  as  there  are  good  harbors  all  along 
the  coast,  where  ships  of  considerable  tonnage  can  enter. 

But  although  sugar  growing  has  never  received  the  full  attention  it  deserves,  it  is  not 
a recently  established  industry,  since  history  records  that  as  early  as  11333  Martim  Affonso 
de  Souza  planted,  on  the  island  of  Sao  Vicente,  near  Santos,  sugar  cane  brought  from 
Madeira,  and  established  there  the  first  sugar  mill  in  Brazil.  The  culture  of  sugar  began  to 
be  neglected,  as  were  all  other  branches  of  agriculture  except  coffee,  when  the  latter  became 
the  source  of  the  State’s  greatest  wealth.  Only  within  recent  years  has  the  production  of 
sugar  been  given  increased  attention  and  value. 

In  Piracicaba,  which  has  one  of  the  largest  sugar  plantations  of  the  State,  a company 
with  the  imposing  title  of  the  “Companhia  Niagara  Paulista”  was  founded  in  1883  by  the 
Baron  de  Rezende,  for  the  purpose  of  using  the  falls  of  Piracicaba  as  the  motive  force  for  a 
sugar  mill.  The  company  cultivated  large  plantations  with  great  success,  obtaining  as  their 
first  harvest  eight  thousand  tons  of  cane.  Fourteen  years  later  the  harvest  reached  twenty- 
one  thousand  tons,  under  the  management  of  Dr.  Cicero  Bastos,  who  greatly  improved  the 
value  of  the  lands  by  advancing  funds  to  the  colonists  for  the  purchase  of  good  implements 
and  machinery.  As  a result  of  his  liberal  policy,  the  Piracicaba  farmers  prospered  greatly, 
many  of  them  being  able,  in  a few  years,  to  purchase  their  farms.  In  1900,  the  company 
transferred  its  interests  to  a French  syndicate,  and  the  property  is  now  owned  by  its 
representative,  the  Companhia  Assucareira  de  Piracicaba,  with  a capital  of  half  a million 
dollars  gold,  having  headquarters  in  Paris.  The  sugar  lands  of  this  company  are  situated 
at  an  average  altitude  of  about  one  thousand  and  eight  hundred  feet  above  sea-level,  the 
plantation  of  Santa  Roza,  which  produces  in  one  field  as  much  as  forty-eight  tons  to  the 
acre,  being  the  most  fertile.  Few  sugar  plantations  are  capable  of  producing  more  than 
forty-eight  to  fifty  tons  to  the  acre,  even  with  the  most  careful  cultivation. 

The  sugar  plantations  of  Piracicaba  are  cultivated  almost  exclusively  by  colonists,  about 
eight  hundred  families,  chiefly  Italians,  being  supported  by  this  industry.  They  receive 
their  houses  gratis;  but  as  the  five  hundred  or  more  which  the  company  own  are  not 
sufficient  to  meet  the  increasing  demand,  each  new  colonist  is  given  the  materials  for  con- 
structing his  house,  which  shall  belong  to  the  company  in  case  of  his  leaving  the  colony. 
It  is  the  rule  in  this  colony  to  plant  in  August  and  September,  and  if  the  growth  is  advanced 
by  a few  heavy  rains,  and  continues  favorable  until  the  rainy  season  of  November,  the 
harvest  may  be  gathered  within  the  year,  though  such  quick  growth  does  not  produce 
the  sweetest  sugar.  The  process  of  planting  is  simple.  The  first  step  is  the  clearing 
of  the  matta,  or  wooded  land,  then  the  irrigating  furrows  are  hoed,  and  the  cane  is  planted; 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


237 


in  the  cultivation  of  lands  already  cleared,  the  farmers  use  ploughs  and  other  implements 
which  best  serve  their  purpose.  The  company  has  about  twenty  miles  of  railway  for  the 
transportation  of  the  cane  to  the  mill.  More  than  half  a million  litres  of  aguardente 
(alcohol)  are  manufactured  annually  in  the  engenho,  or  sugar  mill,  of  Piracicaba. 

The  centre  of  this  industry,  the  beautiful  and  picturesque  little  city  of  Piracicaba,  is  one 
of  the  most  important  of  the  State.  It  occupies  an  attractive  site  on  the  banks  of  the 
Piracicaba  river,  a branch  of  the  Tiete,  and  possesses  the  most  salubrious  and  healthful 
climate  imaginable.  One  of  the  chief  features  of  its  charming  scenery  is  the  cascade,  which 
offers  a special  attraction  to  those  who  seek  this  lovely  spot  for  health  or  pleasure.  The 
name  “ Pira-ci-caba”  is  of  Indian  origin  and  means  “the  fish  stops  here;”  and  it  is  not 


Cl  ASS  AT  WORK,  SCHOOL  OF  AGRICULTURE.  PIRACICABA. 


inappropriate,  as  the  river  abounds  in  fish  of  the  most  delicate  flavor.  The  population  of 
the  municipality  is  about  thirty-five  thousand;  the  city  has  many  beautiful  parks  and 
pranas,  churches,  schools  and  hospitals.  It  is  situated  on  the  main  line  of  the  Sao  Paulo 
railway  and  has  daily  communication  with  the  capital  and  the  port  of  Santos.  It  is  the 
home  of  some  of  Brazil’s  most  distinguished  men,  and  was  the  birthplace  of  the  first  civil 
president  of  Brazil,  Dr.  Jose  Prudente  de  Moraes.  Near  Piracicaba  the  plantation  and 
factory  of  Monte  Alegre  are  situated.  Both  sugar  and  aguardente  are  manufactured  from 
the  product  of  the  fazenda. 

The  newly  awakened  interest  in  sugar  culture  has  been  practically  demonstrated  by 
the  establishment  of  engenhos  in  various  sections  within  the  past  few  years.  One 


238 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


of  the  most  important  of  these  enterprises  is  the  London  Engenho,  the  property  of 
Dr.  Henrique  Dumont,  which  is  located  on  the  left  margin  of  the  Rio  Pardo,  about  fifteen 


A PINEAPPLE  PLANTATION  IN  THE  STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


miles  from  the  station  of  Santos  Dumont  on  the  Mogyana  railway.  The  sugar  produced  in 
this  section  is  of  an  excellent  quality,  some  of  the  lower  and  more  fertile  fields  growing 
cane  ten  feet  in  height.  Three  thousand  acres  are  planted  in  sugar  cane  on  the  London 
fazenda,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  newly  cleared  land.  About  thirty  thousand  tons  were 
harvested  last  year.  A large  quantity  of  aguardente  is  made  in  the  London  factory,  and 
this  product,  as  well  as  the  sugar,  is  sold  direct  to  consumers  by  the  travelling  agents 
of  the  establishment. 

The  sugar  factory  of  Funil,  which  is  one  of  the  most  recent  acquisitions  to  the  industry, 
was  established  in  190^,  and  has  already  contributed  largely  to  the  sugar  statistics  of  Sao 
Paulo.  The  fazenda  of  Funil  is  situated  a few  miles  distant  from  Campinas,  in  the  central 
part  of  the  State;  it  covers  nearly  twice  as  much  territory  as  the  Piracicaba  fazendas,  and 
is  the  most  extensive  in  southern  Brazil,  comprising  about  twenty-five  thousand  acres. 
Sehores  Nogueira,  the  proprietors  of  this  enterprise,  are  making  patriotic  efforts  to  encourage 
the  culture  of  sugar  bv  offering  large  premiums  in  money  for  the  delivery  of  quantities 
greater  than  five  hundred  tons  of  cane,  to  be  treated  in  their  engenho,  the  prize  for  live 
thousand  tons  being  4000  milreis,  equivalent  to  about  thirteen  hundred  dollars  gold.  Their 
sugar  factory  is  constructed  according  to  the  best  modern  ideas,  and  fitted  up  with  the  newest 
models  of  machinery,  all  of  which  is  served  by  electric  motive  force,  generated  by  means 
of  a turbine  wheel,  which  a neighboring  cascade  keeps  in  motion.  Not  all  of  their  vast 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


239 


fazenda  is  yet  planted,  but  the  work  is  progressing  satisfactorily  on  what  promises  to  be  one 
of  the  most  productive  sugar  plantations  of  the  State. 

Prosperous  sugar  plantations  are  established  at  Cachoeira,  near  the  station  of  Restinga; 
also  at  Freitas,  near  Araraquara,  and  at  Pimentel,  in  the  jurisdiction  of  Jaboticabal,  near  the 
station  of  Graminha.  The  engenho  of  Pimentel  was  founded  in  1903,  and  within  the  first 
year  one  thousand  two  hundred  tons  of  sugar  cane  were  treated.  The  lands  are  fertile 
and  produce  excellent  sugar  and  a good  quality  of  aguardente.  In  Sertaosinho,  Jardinopolis, 
Santa  Barbara  and  Villa  Americana,  sugar  plantations  are  annually  producing  an  increasing 
amount. 

Several  important  sugar  fazendas  and  mills  are  owned  by  the  French  syndicate  already 
referred  to.  In  Villa  Raffard,  at  Capivary,  a few  miles  to  the  southeast  of  Piracicaba,  one  of 
the  companies  belonging  to  this 
syndicate  owns  three  fazendas 
and  operates  a sugar  mill  with 
a capacity  for  seven  thousand 
tons  per  month.  Neighboring 
fazendas  of  Itapeva  supply 
some  of  the  cane  for  this  fac- 
tory, which  has  a line  of  rail- 
way six  miles  long  from  the 
Itapeva  fazendas  to  the  en- 
genho, and  another  of  about 
equal  length  to  traverse  its 
own  fields,  to  collect  the  cane. 

The  same  French  syndicate  is 
represented  in  a company 
which  owns  sugar  lands  and 
mills  at  Porto  Feliz  on  the  Tiete 
River,  south  of  Capivary,  as 
well  as  in  another  company, 
the  proprietors  of  the  engenho 
of  Lorena,  near  the  town  of 
the  same  name,  within  a few 
miles  of  the  border  between 
the  States  of  Sao  Paulo  and 
Rio,  and  on  the  line  of  the  Cen- 
tral railway.  From  the  train  an 
excellent  view  may  be  had  of 
the  fazendas  of  Lorena,  which  occupy  a beautiful  site  on  the  margin  of  the  Parahyba 
River  at  an  altitude  of  one  thousand  six  hundred  feet  above  the  sea  level,  covering 


A MANGO  ORCHARD  ON  THE  SCHMIDT  FAZENDA  AT  RIBEIRAO  PRETO, 
STATE  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


240 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


about  five  thousand  acres  of  fertile  land.  The  capacity  of  the  engenho  is  equal  to  the 
manufacture  of  forty  thousand  sacks  of  sugar  each  season,  which  would  correspond  to 

a production  of  thirty  thousand 
tons  of  cane,  though  the  har- 
vest so  far  has  not  exceeded 
half  that  amount 

Throughout  the  State  there 
are  twelve  central  sugar  fac- 
tories and  large  distilleries;  two 
hundred  sugar  mills  in  connec- 
tion with  important  fazendas; 
and  two  thousand  small  fac- 
tories and  distilleries.  The 
government,  through  the  pro- 
gressive energy  of  the  Minis- 
ter of  Agriculture,  Dr.  Carlos 
Botelho,  keeps  minutely  in- 
formed regarding  the* conditions  which  prevail  in  agricultural  districts;  and  whenever  an 
opportunity  occurs  to  introduce  something  of  benefit  to  the  farmer,  it  is  made  the  subject  of 
especial  investigation.  Just  at  present,  the  new  preparation,  Molascuit,  which  is  made  from 
the  husks  and  molasses  of  the  cane,  after  extracting  the  sugar,  and  which  is  recommended 
as  a food  for  cattle,  is  being  tested  on  several  fazendas,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  agricultural 
department,  pamphlets  on  the  subject  having  been  distributed  to  all  the  sugar  growers. 

The  advantages  that  Sao  Paulo  offers  for  the  cultivation  of  sugar  are  unsurpassed.  First 
of  all,  the  climate  is  more  healthful  and  invigorating  than  in  other  sugar  growing  regions,  such 
as  Guiana,  with  its  pestilential 
marshes,  Java  with  its  miry 
bogs,  and  even  the  banks  of  the 
lower  Mississippi,  where  malaria 
reigns.  Sao  Paulo’s  sugar  lands 
are  also  free  from  inundations, 
cyclones,  volcanic  eruptions, 
and  earthquakes,  which  in  some 
countries  transform  a prosper- 
ous sugar  estate  into  a waste 
place  without  warning.  A soil 
especially  suited  to  the  culture 
makes  the  return  for  labor  satis- 
factory and  not  too  dearly  earned;  and,  finally,  the  increasing  local  demand  furnishes  a home 
market  for  the  product,  which  offers  an  excellent  opportunity  to  the  enterprising  planter. 


RICE  GROWING  ON  A SAO  PAULO  PLANTATION. 


GRAPE  CULTURE  IN  THE  SCHOOL  OF  AGRONOMICS,  CAMPINAS. 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


241 


Cotton  culture,  which  is  now  receiving  more  attention  than  it  has  had  for  many  years, 
was  at  one  time  in  such  a flourishing  condition,  from  1866  to  1876,  that  not  only  did  the 
product  supply  the  home  demand,  but  from  seven  million  to  eight  million  kilograms  were 
exported  annually.  The  decadence  of  the  industry  was  chiefly  owing  to  the  emancipation 
of  the  slaves,  imported  labor  proving  insufficient  and  unsatisfactory  in  the  cotton  field, 
where  no  workmen  have  proved  so  useful  as  the  negroes.  At  present  the  production  of 
cotton  in  the  State  is  hardly  enough  to  supply  the  well-developed  weaving  industry. 
Within  the  past  eight  years,  however,  a new  impetus  has  been  given  to  cotton  culture, 
chiefly  through  the  efforts  of  the  government,  and  the  present  annual  harvest  of  the  product 
is  twelve  million  kilograms,  or  nearly  double  what  it  was  in  1900. 

The  centre  of  cotton  production  is  situated  in  the  Sorocabana  district,  west  of  Sao 
Paulo,  though  cotton  grows  with  little  cultivation  in  various  sections  of  the  State.  The 
town  of  Sorocaba  occupies  a very  advantageous  locality  on  the  summit  of  a hill,  from  which 
the  whole  country  around  for  several 
miles  is  in  plain  view.  A short  dis- 
tance from  the  town  the  picturesque 
waterfall  of  the  Sorocaba  River  adds 
attractiveness  to  a landscape  of  sin- 
gular beauty.  Not  only  is  this  city 
the  centre  of  the  cotton  growing  in- 
dustry, and  of  large  factories,  such  as 
the  Sta.  Rozalia,  and  others,  but  it  is 
also  noted  for  its  vineyards,  for  the 
quality  and  quantity  of  its  cereals,  for 
its  excellent  pasturage,  and  for  the 
valuable  iron  mines  in  the  vicinity, 
where  the  foundry  of  Ypanema  is 
located.  A few  leagues  distant  from  Sorocaba  lies  the  town  of  Itapetininga,  also  in  the 
“cotton  belt,”  and  like  Sorocaba,  noted  also  for  its  splendid  pasturage,  and  its  mineral 
production,  as  gold  mines  exist  in  this  neighborhood. 

Many  textiles  besides  cotton  grow  in  the  State.  Aramina  is  cultivated  on  a large  scale, 
and  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  coarse  goods  for  bags,  twine,  carpeting,  etc.,  for  which 
it  is  better  suited  than  hemp.  A new  fibre,  called  Canhamo  Brasileiro  Perini,  is  attracting  a 
great  deal  of  attention  among  agriculturists.  It  was  discovered  by  Dr.  V.  A.  Perini,  of 
Campinas,  while  engaged  in  botanical  work  in  the  northern  part  of  Minas  Geraes,  where 
he  came  upon  it  at  an  altitude  of  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  feet  above  sea-level. 
According  to  the  best  authorities,  the  plant  is  unlike  any  specimen  hitherto  classified  in 
botany.  It  will  undoubtedly  furnish  a new  hemp  industry  of  great  importance. 

The  culture  of  tobacco  promises  to  be  one  of  the  important  sources  of  revenue  of  Sao 
Paulo  when  immigration  brings  to  the  State  a sufficient  number  of  colonists  to  develop  the 


A WATERFALL  NEAR  BROTAS,  SAO  PAULO. 


242 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


extensive  lands  which  are  particularly  suitable  to  the  growth  of  this  product.  At  present 
the  most  prosperous  tobacco  plantations  are  situated  in  the  valley  of  the  Parahyba  and 

in  the  municipalities  of  Santa 
Branca,  Parahybuna,  and  Sao 
Luis  de  Parahytinga.  Small 
quantities  of  tobacco  are  raised 
in  other  sections,  about  fifty 
municipalities  counting  it  as 
one  of  their  products.  About 
twelve  million  kilograms  are 
harvested  annually,  hardly 
enough  to  supply  the  market 
» of  the  State. 

The  rice  fields  of  Sao  Paulo 
are  growing  in  number  and 
importance  every  year,  as  the 
adaptability  of  the  soil  for  the  development  of  this  industry  is  being  better  realized. 
Not  only  does  rice  grow  in  prolific  abundance  in  the  southern  part  of  the  coast  region, 
principally  along  the  course  of  the  Ribeira  de  Iguape,  but  it  thrives  well  in  the  western 
coffee  districts,  especially  those  of  Jahu,  Santa  Rita  and  Pitangueiras.  About  fifty  million 
litres  of  rice  are  harvested  annually,  but  this  does  not  represent  a tithe  of  the  amount 
which  could  be  produced  if  colonists  were  settled  in  the  fertile  and  untilled  valleys  of 
the  far  west,  to  cultivate  this  product,  for  which  the  soil  and  climate  are  so  perfectly 
adapted.  In  consideration  of  the  extraordinary  results  which  have  been  obtained  in 
the  United  States  by  the  employment  of  flooding  or  irrigation  as  a means  of  rice 
culture,  the  government  of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo  has  engaged  an  expert  in  this  method, 
Mr.  Welman  Bradford,  who  has  been  placed  in  charge  of  an  experimental  station  situated 
at  Pindamonhangaba,  in  the  valley  of  the  Parahyba  River.  In  addition  to  this  station, 
others  are  being  established  with  a view  to  giving  general  demonstration  of  the  best 
methods  of  rice  growing. 

Cereals,  such  as  corn  and  wheat,  are  grown  all  over  the  State,  and  the  fruits  of  this 
zone  yield  an  enormous  harvest.  Pineapple  plantations  are  a familiar  sight,  and  present  an 
attractive  picture  at  harvest  time,  when  great  fields  of  the  luscious  fruit  are  ready  for  the 
pickers.  The  mango  trees,  wonderful  in  size  and  of  thick,  glossy  foliage,  bear  large  quanti- 
ties of  this  fibrous,  yellow  fruit.  The  mango  depends  greatly  for  its  flavor  as  well  as  size 
upon  the  cultivation  it  receives;  and  on  some  of  the  fruit  farms  of  western  Sao  Paulo,  as  on 
the  plantation  of  Colonel  Francisco  Schmidt,  at  Ribeirao  Preto,  especial  care  is  given  to  this 
fruit,  the  trees  being  powdered  with  insecticide  to  keep  them  free  from  attack.  At  Villa 
Americana,  near  Piracicaba,  where  a colony  of  North  Americans  from  the  southern  part  of 
the  United  States  is  settled,  the  culture  of  watermelons  is  a prosperous  industry,  the  fruit 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


243 


growing  to  splendid  size,  and  having  a delicious  flavor.  The  silkworm  industry  thrives  in 
the  State,  but  the  market  is  limited. 

Experiments  have  proved  that  the  soil  and  climate  of  Sao  Paulo  are  well  suited  to  grape 
culture  and  to  the  production  of  a superior  quality  of  wine.  For  about  twenty  years, 
efforts  have  been  made  to  secure  satisfactory  results  in  viticulture,  and  very  gratifying 
success  has  been  achieved  in  this  enterprise  by  Dr.  Nicolau  Vergueiro  of  Sorocaba,  who 
makes  excellent  wine  from  the  American  grapes  “Black  July”  and  “Norton  Virginia,”  as 
well  as  by  Dr.  Luiz  Pereira  Barretto,  who  has  produced  a vine  especially  adapted  to  the 
climatic  conditions  of  the  State,  resisting  all  the  vine  diseases. 

The  production  of  chocolate,  which  should  be  one  of  the  most  prosperous  industries  of 
the  State  is  beginning  to  gain  ground,  as  well  as  the  culture  of  the  manigoba  rubber  tree, 
which  grows  rapidly  and  produces  a good  latex  in  the  humid  soil  of  the  Iguape  valley. 

The  general  activity,  hopefulness,  expansion,  and  the  disposition  toward  improvement, 
which  mark  the  Sao  Paulo  agriculturist  of  to-day  are  to  be  traced  directly  to  the  constant 
and  unremitting  purpose  of  the  government,  as  interpreted  by  the  department  of  agriculture, 
which  by  all  possible  efforts  seeks  to  stimulate  the  desire  for  better  agricultural  conditions, 
greater  development,  and  more  satisfactory  results  for  capital  and  labor  invested.  Especially 
has  the  present  Secretary  of  Agriculture,  Dr.  Carlos  Botelho,  worked  with  zeal  and  efficiency 
to  reorganize  the  agricultural  system  of  the  State  and  to  establish  it  on  a foundation  of 
modern  enterprise  and  endeavor.  In  every  branch  of  his  department,  which  supervises 


CUTTING  SUGAR  CANE,  SAO  PAULO. 


not  only  all  matters  relating  to  agriculture  but  also  the  commerce,  railways  and  public 
works  of  the  State,  Dr.  Botelho  has  accomplished  important  improvements,  introducing 


244 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


measures  for  the  benefit  of  the  State,  and  with  equal  solicitude  for  all  its  inhabitants, 
whether  they  be  of  native  or  foreign  birth.  It  is  the  high  and  noble  aim  of  the  government 


WATERMELONS  READY  FOR  SHIPMENT  AT  THE  AMERICAN  VILLAGE,  SAO  PAULO. 


to  make  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo  a happy  home  for  its  people  in  everything  which  that 
beautiful  expression  implies,  a home  of  peace  and  plenty  for  all  who  place  themselves 
under  its  protection. 

Of  the  great  work  which  Dr.  Carlos  Botelho  has  done  and  is  doing,  the  complete 
results  can  only  be  appreciated  in  the  course  of  time.  But  the  influence  of  his  progressive 
spirit  is  seen  every  day.  With  the  determination  to  bring  about  desirable  improvements, 
he  has  secured  a reduction  of  the  railway  tariff  on  sugar  cane  destined  to  the  sugar  indus- 
tries, on  cotton,  and  on  agricultural  machines  and  implements;  he  has  inaugurated  agricul- 
tural fairs  to  encourage  competition;  he  has  increased  the  distribution  of  seeds  and  plants, 
and  has  scattered  broadcast  among  the  farmers  books  and  pamphlets  of  agricultural 
propaganda;  he  has  prepared,  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  State,  complete  agricul- 
tural and  zootechnic  statistics;  he  has  organized,  with  the  pecuniary  aid  of  the  State,  a stud 
farm  for  the  importation  and  breeding  of  pedigree  animals;  and  through  his  initiative  a 
scientific  commission  was  recently  sent  to  explore  the  unknown  regions  of  the  western 
part  of  the  State,  the  result  of  whose  efforts  is  the  final  erasure  from  the  map  of  the  vast 
“unexplored  territory;”  no  land  of  the  State  remains  any  longer  in  that  category. 

The  question  of  agricultural  training  has  received  Dr.  Botelho’s  especial  attention,  and 
under  his  supervision  the  existing  agricultural  schools  have  been  reorganized  and  new  ones 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


24^ 


established.  If  he  had  accomplished  no  other  work,  this  alone  should  suffice  to  make  his 
administration  memorable,  of  such  great  importance  is  it  to  the  State’s  industrial  welfare. 

The  Agricultural  College,  called 
the  Escola  Agricola  Practica  “Luiz  de 
Queiroz,”  and  the  “Fazenda  Modelo” 
or  Model  Farm  of  the  State  of  Sao 
Paulo,  were  organized  by  Dr.  Tibiriga, 
when  Secretary  of  Agriculture,  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  to  the  farming  com- 
munity both  theoretical  and  practical 
instruction  in  agriculture.  They  are 
situated  at  Piracicaba,  at  the  head  of 
navigation  on  the  Piracicaba  River, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles 
northwest  of  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo. 

The  college  is  the  largest  and  best 
equipped  institution  of  its  kind  in 
South  America,  and  furnishes  a com- 
plete course  in  the  agricultural  sciences,  while  the  students  receive  instruction  in  farm 
practice  on  the  large  and  well  tilled  fazenda  connected  with  it.  The  college  already 

has  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred 
students ; and  the  staff  consists  of  nine  professors 
and  instructors.  Located  in  a commodious  and 
spacious  building  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city, 
the  college  is  an  edifice  of  recent  construction, 
equipped,  at  considerable  cost,  with  all  the  re- 
quirements of  a modern  agricultural  institution, 
and  surrounded  by  a large  and  beautiful  park, 
with  orchards  and  kitchen  garden  in  the  rear. 
The  main  college  building  measures  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  feet  by  one  hundred  and  twenty, 
and  is  two  stories  in  height.  The  ceilings  are 
lofty  and  the  rooms  admirably  lighted  and 
ventilated. 

The  Fazenda  Modelo  covers  an  area  of 
eight  hundred  acres,  of  which  about  two  hun- 
dred acres  are  in  cultivation,  the  remainder  being 
in  permanent  pasture  and  second  growth  timber. 
The  principal  crops  are  corn,  rice,  beans,  sugar  cane,  and  cotton,  and  splendid  yields  are 
harvested.  A small  plantation  of  ten  thousand  coffee  trees  has  been  planted  on  newly 


246 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


cleared  ground.  Among  other  field  crops  that  are  grown  on  quite  an  extensive  scale  are: 
mandioca,  or  cassava,  Irish  and  sweet  potatoes,  arrowroot,  oats,  Canada  field  peas,  sorghum, 
alfalfa,  broom-corn,  and  peanuts.  About  fifty  men  are  employed  on  the  fazenda,  as  it  is 
the  desire  to  get  much  of  the  land  into  cultivation  at  once  and  to  avoid  the  growth  of 
shrubs  and  bushes,  which  spring  up  rapidly  if  the  soil  remains  untilled.  The  Fazenda 
Modelo  is  equipped  with  modern  farm  implements,  the  demand  for  which  is  constantly 
becoming  more  general  among  Sao  Paulo  farmers.  A large  number  of  plot  experiments  are 
being  carried  on  to  test  the  value  of  new  plant  introductions,  improved  cultural  methods, 
and  the  use  of  special  fertilizers  in  the  production  of  certain  crops.  In  the  truck  garden  all 
the  common  vegetables  are  grown,  except  the  tomato,  which  is  attacked  by  something  like 
the  wilt  disease,  now  causing  so  much  damage  to  the  plant  in  some  parts  of  North  America. 
This  does  not  apply  to  the  small  yellow  and  red  plum  tomatoes,  which  grow  wild  and  are 
exempt  from  attack,  a fact  suggesting  the  possibilities  of  science  to  produce  a new  and 
resistant  variety.  In  the  dry  winter  season  the  hardy  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  cauli- 
flower, onions,  beets,  carrots,  and  garden  peas  grow  in  abundance,  and  the  fazenda  is 
demonstrating  the  value  of  irrigation  during  the  dry  season  to  produce  green  vegetables 
the  year  round.  Tropical  and  sub-tropical  fruits,  such  as  oranges,  lemons,  mangoes, 
mamoes  (tree  melons),  and  pineapples  are  either  planted  in  permanent  orchards  of  the 
fazenda  or  are  waiting  their  turn  in  the  nursery  rows.  A vineyard  of  five  hundred  vines  is 
bearing  a fine  quality  of  grapes,  and  efforts  are  being  made  to  grow  the  apples,  pears, 
peaches,  and  cherries  of  colder  climates.  Strawberries  yield  well,  and  are  in  season  about 
three  months. 

Most  of  the  live  stock  of  the  Fazenda  Modelo  is  of  native  origin,  and  is  being  improved 
by  the  importation  .of  pure  bred  stock  from  Europe,  the  government  of  the  State  giving 
particular  attention  to  the  development  of  the  best  possible  breeds  of  horses,  cattle  and 
sheep,  which  are  desirable  to  stock  its  immense  pasture  lands,  eventually  to  enter  into 
competition  in  the  best  markets  of  the  world.  At  present,  the  live  stock  of  the  Fazenda 
averages  about  seventy-five  head,  some  of  them  imported  and  unacclimated  animals,  the 
healthfulness  of  the  country  for  their  breeding  being  shown  by  the  fact  that  during  the 
past  two  years  only  one  has  died.  The  Fazenda  has  ample  tool  houses,  corn-cribs,  and  com- 
plete milling  machinery,  such  as  cotton-gin,  etc.  The  Fazenda  Modelo,  which  is  annexed 
to  the  Escola  Agricola,  is  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  J.  William  Hart,  an  experienced  agricul- 
turist from  the  United  States,  through  whose  courtesy  much  valuable  information  was 
obtained  for  the  purposes  of  this  chapter. 

Both  the  Escola  Agricola  and  the  Fazenda  Modelo  are  liberally  supported  by  the  State 
government,  the  grant  for  the  year  1907  being  equivalent  to  twenty-five  thousand  dollars 
gold  to  each  institution  for  running  expenses.  This  is  in  addition  to  the  large  sums  which 
are  being  spent  in  building  and  furnishing,  and  in  acquisitions  that  are  paid  for  out  of  other 
government  funds.  The  purpose  of  the  college,  as  explained  in  the  government  decree 
for  its  reorganization,  which  was  issued  February  18,  1907,  is  to  spread  among  the  youth 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


247 


of  the  farming  communities  scientific  ideas  and  practical  knowledge  regarding  agricultural  in- 
dustries. The  general  curriculum  of  the  college  is  divided  into  four  courses:  the  elementary, 
which  prepares  pupils  for  ordinary  farm  work;  the  intermediate,  which  gives  the  instruction 


HOTEL  FOR  IMMIGRANTS,  SAO  PAULO. 


necessary  for  farm  managers;  the  superior  course,  for  administrators  of  estates,  industrial 
agents,  professors  of  agriculture,  etc. ; and  the  course  of  recapitulation,  after  which  the  pupil 
is  graduated  with  an  understanding  of  the  whole  realm  of  agriculture,  as  an  industry,  an 
art  and  a science.  The  applicant  for  admission  to  the  elementary  course  must  be  at  least 
sixteen  years  of  age,  must  know  how  to  read,  write  and  calculate,  and  must  pay  a matricu- 
lation tax  of  fifty  milreis.  For  the  higher  courses  additional  educational  requirements  are 
imposed.  Among  the  important  features  of  this  institution  are  the  excursions  made  by  the 
pupils  in  company  with  the  teachers,  during  the  vacation,  to  various  agricultural  establish- 
ments, factories,  engenhos,  etc.,  in  order  to  study  their  methods  and  to  profit  by  the 
suggestions  made  for  greater  improvement.  Last  year,  classes  visited  the  Piracicaba 
sugar  mills  and  the  immense  coffee  fazendas  of  Ribeirao  Preto. 

In  addition  to  the  agricultural  college,  the  government  has  also  established,  as  agricul- 
tural schools  for  apprentices,  the  Aprendizado  Agricola  “Dr.  Bernardino  de  Campos,”  in 


248 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


Iguape,  and  the  Aprendizado  Agricola  “Joao  Tibiriga”  in  Sao  Sebastiao,  in  the  coast  district. 
At  Cubatao,  the  Horto  Agrario  Tropical,  a tropical  garden,  has  been  established,  in  which 
agricultural  education  relating  exclusively  to  the  tropical  zone  of  the  coast  region  is 
taught.  Here  the  culture  of  cacao,  for  the  manufacture  of  chocolate,  is  receiving  espe- 
cial attention.  The  Instituto  Agronomico  of  Campinas  renders  invaluable  service  to  the 
State  by  the  experiments  made  in  all  branches  of  agriculture;  in  its  laboratories  are  studied 
all  the  various  evils  which  attack  the  plantations,  such  as  insects,  etc.,  with  a view  to 
their  eradication ; and  the  perfection  of  agriculture  in  all  its  branches  is  made  a constant 
object.  The  Institute  occupies  an  ideal  situation,  and  presents  the  attractive  aspect  of  a 
model  farm.  Believing  firmly  in  the  advantages  of  State  fairs  as  a means  of  encour- 
aging the  farmer,  Dr.  Botelho  has  devoted  considerable  attention  to  these  exhibitions, 
and  live  stock  shows  have  been  held  at  Campinas,  Pindamonhangaba,  Sao  Carlos  do 
Pinhal,  Itapetininga,  and  Batataes;  a cotton  exhibition  recently  opened  at  Campinas  was 


A CHEERFUL  GROUP  OF  IMMIGRANTS,  SAO  PAULO. 


a great  success;  and  a central  zootechnic  exhibition,  held  at  the  Mooga,  in  the  State  capital, 
attracted  many  visitors. 

While  every  effort  which  progressive  energy  and  enterprise  can  accomplish  is  being  put 
forth  to  improve  the  agricultural  conditions  of  Sao  Paulo  by  instruction  and  encouragement, 


AGRICULTURE  AND  COLONIZATION  IN  SAO  PAULO 


249 


the  question  of  increasing  the  population  by  immigration  is  receiving  the  attention  its 
importance  demands.  Lands  have  been  set  apart  for  the  colonists  who  are  constantly 
arriving,  and  who  will  add  to  the  development  and  prosperity  of  the  State  by  helping  to 
cultivate  those  products  which  are  the  richest 
sources  of  revenue  in  the  more  settled  parts 
of  the  State,  as  well  as  to  open  up  new 
regions  in  the  remote  interior.  During  the 
first  six  months  of  Dr.  Carlos  Botelho’s 
administration  as  Secretary  of  Agriculture, 
seven  thousand  immigrants  were  given 
homes  in  the  most  healthful  zone  of  the 
State  and  provided  with  the  means  to  earn 
a livelihood.  Since  then,  about  fifty  thou- 
sand immigrants  have  arrived.  A feature 
of  the  immigration  which  is  producing  good 
results  is  the  government’s  arrangement 
by  which  colonists  living  in  Sao  Paulo 
can  bring  out  their  relatives  free  of  cost,  thus  insuring  a desirable  class  of  colonists. 

In  order  to  be  prepared  for  the  accommodation  of  large  numbers  of  immigrants  the 
government  has  founded  the  agricultural  centres  of  “Nova  Odessa”  and  “Jorge  Tibiriga,” 
both  of  which  are  situated  on  the  line  of  the  Paulista  railway,  and  offer  favorable  opportuni- 
ties to  colonists,  not  only  by  their  locality  and  the  excellent  quality  of  the  land,  but  by  the 
liberal  arrangements  provided.  Another  agricultural  centre,  the  “Campos-Salles,”  has  been 
enlarged  and  the  railway  extended  to  reach  it.  In  Nova  Odessa,  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  acres  of  the  land  are  reserved  for  a demonstration  field  to  be  maintained  by  the 
government;  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres  more  are  reserved  for  the  municipal  offices 
and  schools;  and  the  remainder  is  divided  into  lots  of  sixty-five  acres,  maximum,  at  prices 
varying  from  sixteen  to  twenty-four  milreis  ($5.5°  to  $8.00)  per  acre,  according  to  area, 
situation  and  quality  of  lands.  One-fifth  of  the  price  is  payable  when  the  colonist  receives 
the  provisional  title,  the  second  payment  is  made  the  second  year,  and  a payment  follows 
annually  until  the  final  settlement,  in  the  fifth  payment,  after  which  the  colonist  receives 
the  deed  of  full  possession.  The  government  provides  lodging  gratis,  until  the  colonist 
can  construct  a dwelling,  (the  time  not  to  exceed  one  year),  and  facilitates  the  building  of 
his  house,  as  well  as  the  securing  of  machinery,  horses  and  all  necessaries. 

Colonies  similar  to  that  of  Nova  Odessa  have  been  founded  at  Piaguhy,  Sabauna, 
Sao  Bernardo,  and  other  places.  More  than  two  thousand  two  hundred  acres  of  State 
land  have  been  marked  out  for  colonization  in  the  coast  district,  northeast  of  Santos,  and 
work  has  been  begun  on  a colonist  centre  to  be  established  near  Sao  Sebastiao.  More 
than  fifteen  thousand  acres  in  the  central  part  of  the  State  have  been  obtained  by  purchase 
and  gift  from  Counsellor  Gaviao  Peixoto,  on  which  three  new  colonist  settlements  have 


2^0 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


been  founded,  Nova  Europa,  Nova  Paulicea,  and  Gaviao  Peixoto,  all  of  which  will  be 
traversed  by  the  extension  of  the  Dourado  railway  from  Boa  Esperanpa,  beyond  Sao  Carlos. 
Near  Ubatuba,  north  of  Sao  Sebastiao,  on  the  coast,  a colony  is  to  be  established  on  a site 
recently  ceded  to  the  government,  called  Conde  do  Pinhal. 

An  official  agency  of  Colonization  and  Labor  has  been  established  by  the  government 
to  facilitate  the  locating  of  immigrants  and  to  look  after  their  interests  in  their  newly  adopted 
land.  Through  its  efforts  four  thousand  families  have  been  introduced,  and  two  hundred 
settled  in  colonies,  in  addition  to  about  one  hundred  single  men.  During  the  harvest  one 
thousand  were  drafted  onto  plantations.  Besides  this  agency  the  government  maintains 
an  Inspecting  Board  at  the  port  of  Santos  and  a Board  of  Lands,  Colonization  and  Immi- 
gration, whose  duty  it  is  to  attend  to  all  the  special  details  of  this  service. 

The  Hospedaria  de  Immigrantes,  or  Immigrants  Hotel,  is  also  maintained  by  the  gov- 
ernment. An  agent  of  the  Inspector  of  Lands  and  Colonization,  who  speaks  the  language 
of  the  immigrants,  receives  them  as  they  land,  extending,  in  the  name  of  the  government, 
the  hospitality  of  the  State,  while  another  official  directs  them  to  their  temporary  lodgings 
and  explains  the  rules  of  the  establishment. 

The  history  of  immigration  in  Sao  Paulo  began  during  the  time  of  the  Empire,  when 
Count  de  Parnahyba  was  president  of  the  province.  He  was  a statesman  of  great  ability 
and  recognized  the  importance  of  bringing  in  foreign  colonists  to  help  to  develop  the  vast 
resources  of  this  rich  territory.  The  Hospedaria  de  Immigrantes  was  built  during  his 
administration,  and  many  colonies  were  established  which  are  to-day  among  the  most 
flourishing  communities  of  the  State.  Whatever  tends  to  invite  capital  and  labor  and  thus 
to  increase  the  means  of  developing  any  territory  of  Brazil  is  to  be  regarded  with  favor; 
for  growth  and  prosperity  can  come  only  through  the  energetic  work  of  many  hands,  united 
in  ambitious  and  hopeful  endeavor. 


FIRST  GLIMPSE  OF  THEIR  ADOPTED  LAND. 


HARVESTING  THE  COFFEE  CROP  AT  ARARAQUARA,  SAO  PAULO. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


COFFEE 

DICHER  than  mines  of  gold  and  silver  are  the 
* ^ dark  red  stretches  of  the  terra  roxa  of  Brazil, 
which  occur  at  intervals  throughout  the  country 
from  Ceara  southward  to  Santa  Catharina,  and 
mark  the  locality  of  the  most  valuable  coffee  fields 
in  the  world.  Of  the  entire  harvest  of  coffee  for 
1906,  amounting  to  sixteen  million  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  thousand  bags,  Brazil  produced 
thirteen  million  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thou- 
sand bags,  or  more  than  three-fourths  of  the 
total.  The  centre  of  this  vast  coffee  growing  re- 
gion lies  in  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  which  is  richer 
in  coffee  lands  than  all  other  countries  put  together, 
yielding  annually  ten  million  bags,  from  plantations 
which  represent  less  than  half  of  the  actual  area 
under  cultivation  in  the  State  for  the  production 
of  coffee.  Nearly  seven  hundred  million  coffee 
trees  of  all  ages  adorn  the  sunny  hillsides  of  central 
Sao  Paulo,  extending  from  the  Parahyba  valley  in 
the  southeast  to  the  border  of  the  State  of  Minas  in  the  north;  and  the  plantations  are 
reaching  farther  and  farther  westward  as  the  railroads  push  their  lines  to  the  remote  limits. 

Imagination  can  picture  no  more  beautiful  sight  than  that  which  is  presented  by  a vast 
plantation  of  coffee  trees,  seen  from  an  eminence  on  the  approach  to  one  of  the  great 
fazendas.  Like  a sea  of  green,  the  surface  rippling  in  the  breeze,  each  wave  defined  by  the 
regular  spacing  of  the  trees,  the  great  panorama  spreads  out  on  all  sides,  till  it  seems  to  touch 
the  blue  sky  at  the  horizon,  or,  nearer,  to  bathe  in  its  verdure  the  base  of  distant  mountains. 
A visit  to  the  immense  fazendas  of  Monte  Alegre,  at  Ribeirao  Preto,  which  are  owned  by 


A COFFEE  TREE  AT  HARVEST  TIME. 


2^4 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


the  “coffee  king”  of  Sao  Paulo,  Colonel  Francisco  Schmidt,  not  only  impresses  one  by  the 
picturesque  charm  of  a sight  that  is  unique  in  landscapes,  but  gives  an  idea  of  the  vast 
importance  of  so  great  an  enterprise.  Francisco  Schmidt  came  to  Sao  Paulo  as  a colonist, 
and  is  very  proud  of  the  success  which  he  has  achieved  in  his  adopted  land,  as  the  architect 
of  his  own  fortunes.  Mr.  Schmidt  has  seven  million  five  hundred  and  twenty-eight  thou- 
sand coffee  trees  on  his  fazendas,  which  extend  over  twelve  thousand  alquieres  of  land ; 
large  paved  terraces,  covering  thousands  of  square  feet,  are  equipped  with  modern  arrange- 
ments for  drying  and  shipping  the  coffee,  sixteen  machines  being  in  use  for  the  various 
processes.  Nearly  a thousand  horses  and  mules  are  employed  in  working  the  plantations, 
and  about  two  thousand  head  of  cattle  belong  to  the  estate.  The  colonists  who  cultivate  the 
fazendas  are  provided  with  houses,  and  appear  to  be  well  contented  and  prosperous.  They 
number  eight  thousand  or  more,  and  constitute  quite  an  important  community.  On  each 
plantation  a free  school  is  kept  open  during  the  summer,  and  the  children  of  the  colonists 
are  obliged  to  attend ; during  harvest  time,  which  is  in  winter,  the  school  is  closed.  There 
are  other  schools  open  all  the  year  round  for  children  who  are  not  employed.  This 
enormous  property  is  not  devoted  to  coffee  culture  only,  but  is  divided  into  plantations 
for  various  agricultural  products.  As  elsewhere  stated,  one  of  the  most  important  sugar 
factories  of  the  State  is  located  here. 

Another  large  coffee  estate  at  Ribeirao  Preto  belongs  to  the  heirs  of  the  Count  de 
Pinhal,  one  of  the  noted  men  of  Sao  Paulo,  who  did  much  during  a long  and  useful  life  to 
promote  the  industrial  interests  of  his  native  State.  On  the  fazendas  of  this  estate  about  two 
million  coffee  trees  are  under  cultivation,  the  annual  production  amounting  to  about  sixty 
thousand  bags,  each  bag  weighing  sixty  kilograms.  The  area  planted  in  trees  is  ten  thou- 
sand acres;  the  whole  property  is  traversed  by  a railway,  and  the  various  establishments 
are  lighted  with  electricity.  Four  thousand  colonists  work  on  the  fazendas  of  the  company, 
the  annual  expenses  of  which  amount  to  about  a quarter  of  a million  dollars  gold.  The 
great  “ Dumont”  fazenda,  which  belongs  to  a wealthy  English  syndicate,  contains  more  than 
a hundred  thousand  acres  of  the  best  lands  in  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  and  has  six  million 
coffee  trees  under  cultivation.  The  profits  of  this  enormous  enterprise  exceed  the  sum  of 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  in  gold  annually.  The  plantation  has  its  own 
private  railway  connecting  with  the  main  line  sixteen  miles  away.  It  gives  support  to  more 
than  a thousand  families.  The  Palmeiras  fazenda  contains  more  than  three  hundred  thou- 
sand acres,  comprising  a territory  forty  miles  long  by  thirty  miles  wide.  The  vast  planta- 
tions at  Araraquara  are  among  the  richest  in  Sao  Paulo,  the  northern  central  region  of  the 
State  vying  with  the  older  coffee  districts  near  the  capital  in  the  abundance  and  quality  of 
their  harvests. 

No  other  country  shows  such  vast  areas  planted  in  coffee  as  does  Sao  Paulo,  and  in 
no  other  country  is  the  production  of  coffee  per  acre  equal  to  that  yielded  by  the  wonderful 
farms  of  this  State.  Even  those  plantations  which  do  not  cover  an  enormous  extent,  are 
important  because  of  the  prolific  abundance  of  their  harvests.  The  beautiful  fazenda  of 


COFFEE 


2^ 

Santa  Cruz,  which  is  situated  in  the  municipality  of  Araras,  about  six  hours’  journey  by 
railway  from  the  capital  of  the  State,  comprises  two  thousand  acres  of  rich  land,  planted  in 


FOREIGN  VISITORS  ENJOYING  THE  NOVELTY  OF  PICKING  COFFEE. 

a half  a million  coffee  trees,  the  last  harvest  of  which  yielded  twenty  thousand  bags. 
Secretary  Elihu  Root  visited  this  fazenda,  in  company  with  Dr.  Antonio  Prado,  Dr.  Carlos 
Botelho  and  others,  during  his  stay  in  Sao  Paulo  in  1906  and  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  a 
modern  fazenda  in  harvest  time  and  of  “picking  coffee.’’  The  estate  is  one  of  the  most 
prosperous  in  the  State.  In  the  midst  of  a tropical  park  stands  a typical  Brazilian  country 
house  of  modern  style,  from  the  verandahs  of  which  may  be  seen  a picturesque  lake,  partly 
encircled  by  a plantation  of  gigantic  bamboos.  Not  far  away  extends  a forest  of  almost 
impenetrable  depth,  in  which  Brazilian  vegetation  runs  riot  in  all  its  luxuriance,  from  the 
minute  palms  to  the  gigantic  Jequitiba.  This  estate  is  the  property  of  Senhora  Donna  Anesia 
da  Silva  Prado  e Chaves. 

Many  of  the  coffee  estates  present  attractive  features  aside  from  their  commercial 
importance,  and  most  of  them  have  associations  that  lend  the  charm  of  sentiment  to  their 
surroundings  and  history.  Near  the  town  of  Campinas  the  fazenda  of  Baron  Geraldo  de 
Rezende,  with  half  a million  coffee  trees  adorning-  its  fertile  hillsides,  presents  an  aesthetic 
aspect  in  its  magnificent  “casa”  and  gardens,  inviting  envy  by  the  wonderful  collection  of 
rare  orchids  and  the  eight  hundred  different  varieties  of  roses  that  bloom  in  its  flower  beds. 


2$6 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Campinas  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prosperous  cities  of  the  State,  and  has  a population 
of  forty-five  thousand.  It  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  Paulista  railway,  about  eighty 
miles  from  the  capital.  Its  schools  are  among  the  best  in  the  State  and  it  has  a large  and 
beautiful  cathedral  and  many  churches,  as  well  as  hospitals  and  other  charitable  institutions. 
It  is  lighted  with  electricity,  is  well  paved  and  has  a good  sanitarium,  and  is  noted  as  the 
birthplace  of  the  composer  Carlos  Gomes,  and  of  ex-president  Campos-Salles.  The  broad 
acres  of  the  Prado  estate  as  well  as  other  plantations  possess  an  especial  interest  through 
their  intimate  relation  to  the  dramatic  scenes  of  abolition  days;  for  when  the  famous  decree 
of  emancipation  was  put  into  effect,  in  1888,  there  were  whole  sections  where  planters  were 
already  paying  wages  for  the  labor  on  their  farms. 

Since  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves,  Italian  laborers  have  been  employed  in  large  num- 
bers on  the  coffee  fazendas,  and,  as  a rule,  they  give  perfect  satisfaction,  readily  acquiring  the 
language  and  finding  the  climate  altogether  agreeable.  The  demand  for  labor  is  always 
greater  than  the  supply,  but  the  constant  efforts  which  are  made  to  increase  immigration 
and  to  colonize  the  coffee  and  other  agricultural  districts  of  the  States  are  rapidly  bearing 
fruit,  and  increasing  numbers  of  foreign  laborers  find  their  way  to  the  fazendas  every  year. 

Next  to  Ribeirao  Preto  and  Campinas,  which  produce  more  coffee  than  any  other 
municipalities  of  the  State,  Sao  Carlos  and  Amparo  rank  as  the  richest  coffee  growing 


A TYPICAL  COFFEE  FAZENDA,  SHOWING  MILLIONS  OF  TREES. 


centres.  Sao  Carlos  do  Pinhal,  as  it  is  called,  is  situated  on  the  Rio  Claro  section  of  the 
Paulista  railway  in  the  northern  central  district.  It  has  been  a municipality  since  1 865", 
and  now  has  a population  of  fifteen  thousand  within  the  city  limits,  and  of  sixty  thousand  in 


COFFEE 


277 


the  municipality.  Amparo  is  a progressive  city  of  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  situated 
one  hundred  miles  north  of  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo,  on  the  Mogyana  railway,  and  in  the 
midst  of  very  picturesque  scenery.  The  municipality  is  rich  and  prosperous,  more  than 
three  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  sacks  of  coffee 
being  annually  harvested 
on  its  fazendas. 

Among  the  impor- 
tant northern  fazendas  is 
that  of  Sao  Martinho,  a 
few  leagues  south  of 
Ribeirao  Preto,  and  on 
the  line  of  the  Paulista 
railway.  About  fourteen 
thousand  alquieres  be- 
long to  the  proprietors, 

Senhora  Donna  Veridi- 
ano  Prado  and  Sons, 
and  of  this,  one  thousand  a familiar  scene  on  a coffee  plantation. 

three  hundred  alquieres 

are  planted  in  coffee  trees,  of  which  there  are  two  million  three  hundred  thousand  in  culti- 
vation, producing  an  average  of  fifty-eight  thousand  sacks  of  coffee,  at  a cost  of  three 
dollars,  gold,  each  sack.  During  harvest  about  two  thousand  employees  are  engaged  in  the 
work  of  the  fazenda,  the  proprietors  providing  four  hundred  houses  for  the  colonists,  who 
are  also  given  the  advantage  of  schools  and  churches,  and  of  free  medical  attendance  and 
drugs.  The  machinery  for  the  drying  and  hulling  of  the  coffee  is  modern  and  complete, 
and  is  capable  of  preparing  five  hundred  sacks  in  twelve  hours.  In  addition  to  coffee 
culture,  cattle  raising  is  an  important  industry  of  the  fazenda.  Batataes,  Descalvado, 
Sertaosinho,  Jahu,  Santa  Rita,  Sao  Simao,  Cravinhos,  Jaboticabal,  all  situated  in  the  northern 
half  of  the  State,  are  among  the  richest  coffee  producing  centres  of  the  country.  They  are 
all  thriving  towns,  having  good  schools,  churches,  hospitals  and  other  public  buildings,  and 
well  constructed  dwellings.  The  municipality  of  Sao  Manoel,  which,  with  the  neighboring 
town  of  Botucatu,  represents  a large  and  enormously  valuable  coffee  producing  territory, 
founded  within  the  past  twenty-five  years,  has  made  remarkable  progress,  and  is  to-day 
one  of  the  most  advanced  of  the  far  western  towns.  Its  schools  and  churches  are  commo- 
dious buildings,  the  streets  are  paved,  and  with  the  new  railway  line  of  the  Sorocabana 
passing  through  the  town,  easy  communication  is  assured  with  the  capital. 

Although  the  coffee  district  of  the  Parahyba  River  does  not  represent  such  abundant 
wealth  as  that  of  the  more  recently  developed  plantations  of  the  northern  part  of  the  State, 
yet  rich  harvests  are  gathered  on  the  fazendas  of  Taubate,  Pindamonhangaba,  Guaratingueta, 


2^8 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


and  other  places  in  this  vicinity.  The  historic  old  city  of  Taubate,— which  has  recently  come 
into  renown  in  consequence  of  the  convention  held  there  to  arrange  the  project  for  the 
valorization  of  coffee —has  been  exporting  this  product  for  more  than  half  a century,  having 
been  one  of  the  first  towns  of  the  State  to  promote  its  culture.  During  colonial  days  Taubate 
was  a very  important  settlement  and  its  people  played  a prominent  part  in  the  history  of 
early  Paulista  explorations  and  conquests.  To-day  it  is  a city  of  thirty  thousand  inhabitants, 
with  broad  streets,  well  paved,  with  handsome  public  buildings,  a splendid  system  of 
waterworks,  street  cars,  gasworks  for  the  city  lighting,  etc. 

From  beginnings  so  small  as  to  seem  utterly  insignificant,  the  coffee  culture  of  Brazil, 
and  especially  of  Sao  Paulo,  has  grown  to  eclipse  all  competition,  being  sufficient  now  to  meet 
the  demand  of  the  whole  world,  which,  within  less  than  two  centuries,  has  increased  from 
a single  wagon  load  to  about  forty  thousand  car  loads.  Although  of  comparatively  recent 
fame,  the  history  of  this  now  universal  beverage  is  very  ancient,  Abyssinia  and  Ethiopia 


DRYING  COFFEE. 


having  used  it  as  a medicine  apparently  from  time  immemorial,  introducing  it  into  Persia 
during  the  ninth  century  and  into  Arabia  about  the  beginning  of  the  fifteenth  century.  The 
Arabians  seem  to  have  been  the  first  to  drink  coffee  as  a beverage,  their  writers  of  the  end 
of  the  fifteenth  century  referring  to  it  as  a popular  refreshment  among  the  brain-workers  in 


COFFEE 


the  city  of  Aden.  From  the  Orient  it  gradually  became  known  elsewhere,  being  offered 
for  sale  in  Constantinople  in  1774,  and  in  Germany  in  1782.  About  the  middle  of  the 
seventeenth  century  the  first  coffee  house  was  opened  in  England,  and  by  the  middle  of 
the  eighteenth  century  the  culture  of  coffee  was  making  good  progress  in  America,  having 
been  begun  first  at  Martinique, 
in  the  West  Indies;  a few  years 
later  at  Para,  Brazil;  and  after- 
ward in  Rio,  Sao  Paulo,  and 
other  southern  States  of  this 
country. 

The  history  of  coffee  ex- 
port from  Brazil  begins  in  1817 
with  the  shipment  of  about 
sixty  thousand  bags,  though 
two  bags  are  said  to  have  been 
sent  to  a foreign  market  as  early 
as  the  first  year  of  the  nine- 
teenth century.  The  rapid  de- 
cline of  coffee  planting  in  the 
West  Indies  and  its  failure  in 
Ceylon  and  other  parts  of  the 
East  leave  Brazil  with  few 
strong  competitors,  and  open  up 
possibilities  there  for  the  for- 
eign investor  which  can  hardly 
be  offered  elsewhere.  To  the 
ambitious  farmer  the  opportu- 
nity is  worth  consideration.  It 
is  said  that  a small  coffee  or- 
chard of  from  five  thousand  to 
ten  thousand  trees  may  be  made  to  yield  a splendid  income  by  the  cultivation  of  other  crops 
at  the  same  time,  not  interfering  with  the  success  of  the  principal  product.  Under  proper 
management  coffee  can  be  produced,  as  has  been  proved  by  some  of  the  large  companies 
that  have  investments  in  Brazil,  at  a greater  profit  than  the  western  American  farmer  realizes 
on  his  corn  at  thirty  cents,  or  his  wheat  at  eighty  cents  a bushel.  It  is  a singular  fact  that, 
while  North  American  capital  has  been  looking  up  the  coffee  in  the  Far  East,  Englishmen 
and  Germans  have  invested  in  Brazil  with  eminently  satisfactory  results. 

The  epicure  who  sips  his  cafe  noir  with  critical  fastidiousness  can  hardly  imagine  or 
appreciate  the  care  and  delicacy  of  treatment  which  are  necessary  to  bring  about  perfect 
results,  from  the  time  the  little  seed  is  planted  in  the  red  soil  of  sunny  southern  hillsides  to 


A STREET  IN  CAMPINAS,  THE  CENTRE  OF  A RICH  COFFEE 
GROWING  DISTRICT. 


260 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


the  important  moment  when  the  delicious  beverage  is  served  up  to  his  cultivated  palate  in 
a style  according  to  the  highest  traditions  of  the  caterer’s  art.  Perhaps  it  would  give  zest  to 
enjoyment  if  he  could  call  up  in  imagination  the  graceful  little  green  coffee  trees  nodding 
to  the  sway  of  soft  breezes  under  the  sapphire  skies  of  their  native  land;  the  picture  of 
peasant  groups,  with  their  “ homely  joys  and  destiny  obscure  the  luxury  and  extravagance 
of  the  rich  homes  where  fa^endeiros  live  like  princes;  the  whir  and  din  of  the  factory  which 
converts  the  red  berries  into  the  coffee  of  commerce;  the  eager  mart  of  traders  and  shippers, 
and  the  busy  wharves  where  great  ships  wait  to  carry  a precious  burden  across  the  seas. 
Every  detail  of  the  evolution  of  this  delicious  beverage  possesses  a distinctive  charm.  The 
nature  and  development  of  coffee  affords  material  for  description  worthy  of  the  most  gifted 
pen.  First,  from  the  seed-beds  where  only  the  choicest  beans  are  planted,  the  little  shoot 
springs  up,  rapidly  clothing  itself  with  the  richest  verdure;  every  month  it  grows  and 


WEIGHING  COFFEE  FOR  SHIPMENT,  IN  THE  WAREHOUSE  AT  SANTOS. 


spreads  a little,  until  it  has  reached  a couple  of  feet  in  height,  when  it  is  ready  to  be 
transplanted  and  to  begin  its  career  as  a full-fledged  tree. 

The  coffee  tree  is  an  evergreen,  growing  to  a height  of  from  five  to  twenty  feet,  accord- 
ing to  variety,  usually  having  a single  trunk,  though  in  Brazil  it  is  often  found  growing  from 
six  or  seven  stalks.  The  leaves  are  long,  smooth,  and  dark  green  in  color,  the  blossoms 


COFFEE 


261 

growing  in  fragrant  white  bunches  in  the  axils  of  the  branches.  The  fruit  grows  in  clusters 
varying  from  half  a dozen  to  a dozen,  and  having  very  short  stems  or  none  at  all.  When 
ripe,  it  resembles  a medium-sized  cranberry.  The  coffee  bean  of  commerce  is  the  seed  of 
this  fruit,  every  berry  having  two  seeds  or  beans,  shaped  like  irregular  half-spheres,  lying 
imbedded  in  its  yellow,  sweetish  pulp,  with  their  flat  surfaces  together  so  as  to  form  almost 


LOADING  COFFEE  AT  SANTOS. 


a perfect  sphere,  separated  only  by  a thin  “parchment  skin.”  When  the  berry  is  dried,  the 
pulp  hardens  into  a shell  or  pod.  There  is  seldom  a time  of  the  year  when  blossoms  are 
entirely  absent,  and  sometimes  the  fruit  in  all  its  stages,  from  the  blossom  to  maturity,  is 
found  on  the  same  tree.  Coffee  may  be  grown  in  climates  free  from  frost,  where  the 
soil  is  neither  too  dry  nor  too  moist,  these  extremes  being  fatal  to  its  culture.  It  is 
usually  planted  on  the  mountain  slopes,  a thousand  feet  or  more  above  sea  level,  but  it 
has  been  successfully  grown  also  on  fertile,  flat  lands  properly  drained.  The  trees  begin 
to  bear  when  from  three  to  five  years  old.  The  “ Bourbon  ” variety  will  produce  a good 
crop  the  third  year,  and  the  “Java,”  planted  on  the  same  land,  will  yield  a satisfactory  crop 
the  fourth  year.  From  the  sixth  year  abundant  harvests  may  be  gathered  up  to  the 
twentieth,  after  which  the  yield  is  less,  until  the  fortieth,  or,  in  some  instances,  the  fiftieth 
year,  when  production  ceases  altogether.  The  average  crop  of  a healthy  tree  from  five 


262 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


to  fifteen  years  old  is  about  four  pounds  to  a tree,  though  some  plantations  in  favorable 
years  have  grown  six  and  even  ten  pounds  to  a tree.  An  idea  of  the  natural  advantages 
which  Brazil  possesses  as  a coffee  growing  country  may  be  gained  by  comparing  these 
averages  with  the  records  of  some  other  coffee  countries  where  the  yield  is  little  more  than 
a pound  per  tree. 

During  the  harvest,  a coffee  plantation  is  the  scene  of  constant  activity.  The  trees 
begin  to  blossom  in  September,  and  by  April  or  May  the  fruit  is  ripe  and  ready  for  the 
pickers,  who  present  a business-like  appearance  with  their  great  baskets  strapped  on  their 
shoulders,  apparently  eager  to  enter  the  arena  of  competition,  where,  like  “pickers”  the 
world  over,  they  work  for  reputation,  as  well  as  money,  the  fame  of  being  “the  fastest 
picker  in  the  State”  having  a charm  no  less  potent  to  their  limited  ambition  than  are  the 
superlatives  that  attract  their  fellowmen  in  higher  fields  of  human  endeavor.  An  honest 
incentive  that  lightens  labor  and  offers  a happy  goal  to  human  effort  gives  dignity  to  any 
toiler,  however  humble  his  position.  In  large  plantations,  the  space  necessary  for  the 
various  processes  of  treating  the  coffee  from  the  time  it  is  gathered  and  taken  to  the 
terreiro  until  ready  for  market  embraces  a surface  of  several  acres,  with  mills,  warehouses, 
stables,  and  machine  shops.  The  employees  of  the  farm  and  factory  include  hundreds  of 
families.  The  larger  cafe  {ales  have  a complete  outfit  for  drying,  shelling,  and  sacking 
the  coffee.  Nearly  all  the  processes  of  preparation  seek  first  the  removal  of  the  outer 
pulp  by  maceration  in  water,  then  the  drying  of  the  seeds,  and  finally  the  removal  of 
the  thin  parchment-like  skin  that  still  envelops  them  after  the  outer  pulp  has  been  taken 
off.  By  an  additional  process,  the  coffee  is  divided  into  classes  according  to  form  and  size, 
as  “Mocha,”  “Martinique,”  and  other  “sorts.”  The  cafe{ale  of  a large  fazenda  is  one  of  the 
most  interesting  establishments  imaginable  when  converted  into  a hive  of  industry  by  the 
arrival  of  a harvest  of  the  precious  fruit.  The  first  operation  to  which  the  berries  are  sub- 
mitted is  known  as  pulping,  which  is  done  by  a machine  that  consists  of  a revolving  iron 
cylinder  set  with  teeth  and  covered  on  one  side  by  a curved  sheet  of  metal  against  which  it 
impinges  as  it  turns,  the  bottom  of  the  cylinder  being  perforated  so  that  the  beans  fall  through, 
when  free  from  the  pulp,  into  a canal  of  flowing  water  that  carries  them  into  the  fermenting 
tanks  for  the  removal  of  the  saccharine  matter  that  must  be  washed  off  before  they  can  be 
dried.  There  are  usually  three  of  these  tanks,  of  which  two  are  receiving  cisterns,  each  large 
enough  to  accommodate  the  greatest  possible  daily  gathering,  and  the  third  a cleansing  tank, 
nearly  as  large  as  the  other  two  combined;  a good  sized  outlet  is  provided  with  a sieve  fine 
enough  to  retain  the  beans  when  the  water  is  drawn  off,  without  becoming  clogged  with 
the  saccharine  scum.  After  fermentation,  the  coffee  passes  into  the  cleansing  tank,  where 
the  last  trace  of  the  saccharine  matter  is  removed,  and  the  beans  are  prepared  for  the  drying 
process.  All  Brazilian  fazendas  have  drying  terraces  made  of  cement,  where  the  coffee  is 
spread  out  in  thin  layers  so  as  to  have  the  full  benefit  of  the  sun’s  heat.  Men  with  rakes 
are  kept  constantly  busy  turning  the  beans,  to  hasten  the  drying,  which  sometimes  requires 
several  weeks.  An  artificial  method  is  occasionally  employed  by  means  of  steam  heat,  but 


COFFEE 


263 


it  is  said  that  no  other  process  is  so  satisfactory  as  the  sun’s  rays.  When  the  beans  are  dry 
the  parchment  skin  is  removed  by  passing  them  between  heavy  rollers  arranged  for  the 
purpose,  the  chaff  being  cleared  away  by  a winnowing  process.  The  coffee  is  afterward 
separated  into  different  grades,  this  operation  being  performed  by  women  and  girls,  who 
work  at  a long  table  arranged  for  the  pur- 
pose. Then  the  coffee  is  put  up  in  coarse 
sacks,  and  sent  to  the  nearest  station  for 
shipment  to  the  seaport.  Rio  de  Janeiro 
and  Santos  are  the  principal  shipping  ports 
for  Brazilian  coffee,  from  which  they  receive 
the  names  “Rio”  and  “Santos”  coffees. 

In  the  busy  season  the  warehouses  have 
a lively  appearance.  The  streets  of  the 
shipping  quarter  of  the  seaport  are  blockaded 
with  wagons  loaded  with  coffee;  scores  of 
broad-shouldered  carriers  hurry  back  and 
forth,  carrying  the  sacks  on  their  heads  from 
the  wagons  to  the  warehouse,  while  darting 
in  and  out  among  the  wagons  are  women 
who  scoop  up  with  sieves  the  beans  spilled 
on  the  ground  in  unloading,  their  little  hoard 
in  many  cases  realizing  quite  a considerable 
sum.  In  the  warehouses  the  coffee  is  emptied 
out  in  great  piles,  and  repacked  in  bags  of 
uniform  weight,  sometimes  by  machinery, 
though  generally  by  hand,  the  men  employed 
in  this  work  attaining  great  dexterity.  At  the  wharves,  carriers  are  busy  unloading  from  the 
cars  to  the  ships,  while  policemen  patrol  the  landing  to  guard  against  any  infringement  of 
the  law.  Fighting  is  of  rare  occurrence,  the  disposition  of  the  Brazilians,  even  among  the 
lowest  classes,  being  peaceable  and  good-natured. 

The  best  coffees  known  to  commerce  are  “Mocha”  and  “Java,”  specified  as  “mild” 
coffees.  The  beans  of  the  Arabian  Mocha  are  small  and  of  a dark  yellow  color,  while  those 
of  Java  are  larger  and  pale  yellow,  or  brown,  the  brown  Java  beans  being  older  and  more 
valuable.  Brazilian  coffee  is  divided,  commercially,  into  many  grades,  the  fine  grade  con- 
sisting of  regular-sized  beans,  free  from  hulls  or  extraneous  matters,  while  the  lowest  grade 
is  not  carefully  assorted  and  may  contain  broken  and  defective  beans  as  well  as  hulls, 
sticks,  and  other  rubbish,  which  give  it  a cheap  value  in  the  market.  In  view  of  the  con- 
stant effort  of  the  government  of  Brazil  to  maintain  a high  standard  of  excellence  in  the 
culture  of  coffee,  it  is  discouraging  to  know  that  while  the  true  origin  of  inferior  grades  is 
recognized  abroad,  the  best  qualities  of  the  Brazilian  product  are  frequently  sold  as  Arabian 


SENHOR  DOM  FRANCISCO  SCHMIDT,  THE  COFFEE 
KING  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


264 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


Mocha,  Java,  or  other  Oriental  coffees,  sometimes  even  being  shipped  from  Europe  to 
Egypt,  and  thence  to  Arabia,  for  repacking  in  Mocha  fashion,  with  the  result  that  good 
Santos  coffee,  first  sold  in  Brazil  at  five  cents  per  pound,  brings  a retail  price  of  forty-five 
cents  a pound  in  foreign  markets,  after  its  transformation  into  “real  Arabian  Mocha.” 

In  the  raw  state  in  which  it  is  shipped  the  coffee  has  little  flavor,  the  caffeine,  a peculiar 
brown  oil  which  gives  coffee  its  characteristic  aroma,  being  developed  by  the  process  of 
roasting.  The  Brazilians,  who  understand  perfectly  the  nature  of  coffee,  say  that  its 
quality,  its  flavor  and  aroma,  cannot  be  enjoyed  to  the  full  measure  of  its  possibilities  unless 
it  is  kept  several  years  before  using,  always  in  a perfectly  dry  atmosphere.  Some  connois- 
seurs maintain  that  coffee  is  at  its  best  after  being  kept  eight  years  in  this  way.  To 
make  a good  cup  of  coffee,  the  bean  should  be  roasted  and  ground  afresh  each  time,  and 
never  boiled,  but  reduced  to  fine  powder  and  compressed  in  a woollen  bag  through  which 
hot  water  is  poured,  so  that  a percolation  rather  than  a decoction  is  the  result.  Coffee  that 
has  been  gathered  at  least  two  years  is  used  in  preference  to  new  coffee.  The  varied 
operations  through  which  the  coffee  passes  before  it  can  be  said  to  have  “arrived”  are 
altogether  in  keeping  with  the  character  of  its  destiny, — the  important  role  it  plays  in  the 
progress  of  human  affairs.  “ Coffee  and  pistols  ” has  passed  into  a proverb  significant  of 
the  close  association  of  this  beverage  with  the  supreme  moments  of  life;  the  “coffee- 
house ” and  the  “ cafe  ” have  always  been  famous  as  the  rendezvous  of  great  men  and  the 
favorite  resort  of  cabals;  the  dainty  little  coffee  service  in  every  home  is  intimately  related 
to  the  sweetest  and  bitterest  memories  of  life,  and  hearts  have  throbbed  with  courage  or 
broken  in  despair  under  whispered  words  punctuating  the  pauses  between  sips  of  the 
divine  nectar. 

In  the  homes  of  Brazil,  where  hospitality  finds  its  sweetest  expression,  every  guest  is 
invited  to  enjoy  a cup  of  coffee  so  perfectly  prepared  as  to  realize  the  famous  formula  of 
the  immortal  Talleyrand:  “Noir  comme  le  diable,  chaud  comme  l' enter,  pur  comme  un  ange, 
doux  comme  V amour.” 


AN  AVENUE  OF  COFFEE  TREES  ON  SAO  MARTINHO  FAZENDA. 


THE  SAO  PAULO  RAILWAY  STATION  “ LUZ,”  CITY  OF  SAO  PAULO. 


CHAPTER  XV 


RAILWAY  TRAVEL  IN  SAO  PAULO 

NTOT  only  does  Sao  Paulo  occupy  a leading 
* ^ place  among  the  Brazilian  States  in  edu- 
cation and  industrial  advancement,  but  it  is  also 
first  in  railway  enterprise,  having  three  thou- 
sand five  hundred  miles  of  railways  already 
built,  and  two  thousand  miles  of  extensions 
now  under  construction.  From  Rio  de  Janeiro 
to  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo  the  journey  by  railway 
is  made  in  ten  hours  over  a branch  of  the  Cen- 
tral system,  which  is  owned  by  the  Federal 
government,  and  is  one  of  the  most  important 
lines  in  the  republic.  Most  travellers  who  go 
to  Rio,  make  a trip  to  Sao  Paulo,  as  it  offers  not 
only  the  enjoyment  of  magnificent  scenery  and 
a glorious  climate,  but  also  the  opportunity  to 
visit  the  greatest  coffee  growing  country  in  the  world.  Soon  after  leaving  the  Federal 
capital,  the  train  climbs  the  steep  slopes  of  the  Serra  do  Mar,  reaching  its  heights  by  a series 
of  tunnels  and  viaducts  which  are  marvels  of  engineering  skill.  The  tropical  verdure  of  this 
beautiful  range  lends  a particular  charm  to  its  scenery,  clothing  its  jagged  cliffs  and  precipi- 
tous gorges  in  velvety  foliage,  and  giving  added  beauty  to  the  sparkling  streams  which 
thread  their  way  down  the  green  slopes,  brightened  by  the  varying  hues  of  gorgeous 
blossoms.  After  leaving  the  Serra  do  Mar,  the  route  lies  along  the  valley  of  the  Parahyba 
River,  the  train  crossing  the  border  between  the  States  of  Rio  and  Sao  Paulo  near  the  pretty 
little  town  of  Queluz,  which  is  built  on  both  banks  of  the  river,  and  is  surrounded  by  thriving 
plantations  of  sugar  and  coffee.  It  is  the  custom  among  Brazilians  to  take  a small  cup  of 
black  coffee  at  every  station  where  the  train  stops  long  enough  to  give  the  opportunity,  and 

nowhere  in  the  world  is  the  delicious  beverage  better  prepared  than  in  this  land  of  its 

267 


VIEW  OF  THE  CITY  AND  HARBOR  OF  SANTOS. 


268 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


greatest  production.  Passing  the  flourishing  cities  of  Lorena,  Guaratingueta,  Pindamon- 
hangaba,  Taubate,  Cagapava,  Sao  Jose  dos  Campos,  Mogy  das  Cruzes,  and  others,  the  route 
leads  through  coffee  fazendas,  sugar  plantations,  rice  fields,  and  vineyards,  presenting 
glimpses  of  country  life  that  are  both  attractive  and  entertaining.  Two  trains  daily  each 
way  connect  the  cities  of  Rio  and  Sao  Paulo,  the  nocturnos,  or  night  trains,  having  through 
sleeping  car  service,  with  modern  accommodation. 

Travellers  who  go  to  Sao  Paulo  via  Santos,  reach  the  capital  of  the  State  after  two 
hours’  journey  from  the  seaport  over  the  Sao  Paulo  railway,  making  the  ascent  of  the  Serra 
do  Mar  on  such  a steep  grade  that  an  altitude  of  two  thousand  six  hundred  feet  is  attained 
within  a distance  of  five  miles.  The  ascent  is  divided  into  four  inclines  of  equal  length,  the 
trains  being  pulled  up  and  down  by  cables,  operated  by  stationary  engines.  The  scenery 
along  this  road  is  unsurpassed  in  picturesque  beauty  and  grandeur,  and  in  the  varied 
aspects  of  Nature,  produced  by  a climate  which  changes  within  two  hours  from  tropical 
heat  and  humidity  to  the  cool,  dry  atmosphere  of  the  temperate  zone.  The  summit  of  the 
Serra  is  sometimes  enshrouded  in  mist,  the  effect  being  indescribably  weird,  as  the  train 
moves  apparently  in  mid-air,  offering  only  an  occasional  glimpse  of  the  chasm  below.  This 
railway  is  one  of  the  richest  in  the  world,  and  has  at  times  paid  dividends  as  high  as  fifty 
per  cent.  It  extends  from  Santos  to  Jundiahy,  a distance  of  one  hundred  miles,  and  passes 
through  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo,  midway  between  these  two  stations.  A short  branch  runs 
from  Campo  Limpo,  near  Jundiahy,  to  Braganga.  The  road,  which  is  broad  gauge  and  has 
four  tracks,  has  recently  been  greatly  improved  by  the  construction  of  new  bridges,  tunnels, 
and  viaducts.  All  the  exports  of  the  State  are  carried  over  the  Sao  Paulo  railway  to  the 
port  of  Santos,  the  various  lines  of  the  interior  connecting  with  this  great  artery  of  traffic 
either  at  Jundiahy  or  at  Sao  Paulo.  The  handsome  station  “Luz”  at  Sao  Paulo  is  the 
property  of  the  Sao  Paulo  Railway  Company;  it  is  the  largest  and  most  costly  railway 
station  in  South  America,  and  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world. 

Excursions  to  the  interior  over  the  various  systems  of  railway  which  cross  the  State 
in  all  directions  are  very  popular.  They  are  arranged  so  that  it  is  possible  for  one  to  visit 
the  great  fazendas  and  see  the  industrial  progress  of  the  State,  while  at  the  same  time 
enjoying  the  wonders  of  its  scenery  and  the  charm  of  its  glorious  climate.  The  Paulista, 
Mogyana,  and  Sorocabana  systems,  not  including  a number  of  smaller  lines  in  the  coast  dis- 
trict, form  a complete  network  of  railways,  crossing  the  serras,  spreading  over  the  plateaux, 
and  stretching  westward  and  northward  to  the  confines  of  the  State,  and,  in  some  cases, 
beyond. 

The  Paulista  railway  was  built  by  local  enterprise,  and  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous 
lines  in  the  State.  It  extends  from  Jundiahy  northward,  and,  with  its  various  branches,  passes 
through  rich  coffee  and  sugar  growing  sections.  A trip  over  this  route  takes  one  into  the 
heart  of  the  terra  roxa,  where  the  blood-red  soil  dyes  everything  its  own  color.  The  trees 
are  powdered  with  its  sand,  the  houses  have  a rosy  tint,  and  even  the  children  playing  in 
the  streets  are  crimson-clothed  by  mother  earth.  At  Campinas,  thirty  miles  north  of 


RAILWAY  TRAVEL  IN  SAO  PAULO  269 

Jundiahy,  the  railroad  passes  through  vast  coffee  fazendas,  spreading  out  to  the  horizon 
in  all  directions. 

From  Campinas,  two  railway  systems,  the  Paulista  and  the  Mogyana,  run  northward, 
the  Paulista  branching  out  both  to  the  north  and  the  west.  Along  this  route  are  the 
flourishing  cities  of  Rio  Claro,  Ribeirao  Bonito,  and  Brotas,  with  its  picturesque  waterfall,  its 
rich  pastures,  and  prosperous  coffee  fazendas;  Jahu  at  the  terminus  of  one  of  the  most 
important  branches  of  the  line;  Sao  Carlos,  Araraquara,  Sao  Martinho,  Ribeiraosinho, 
Jaboticabal,  and  Bebedouro,  surrounded  by  leagues  of  coffee  fazendas,  marking  the  chief 
stopping  points  of  another  section  which  extends  almost  to  the  border  of  the  State  of 
Minas;  and  Araras,  Pirassununga,  Descalvado,  and  Santa  Rita,  on  the  main  line  that  runs 
almost  due  north,  from  Campinas  through  Limeira  and  Cordeiro  to  Santa  Cruz  and  Santa 
Veridiana,  through  a salubrious  and  picturesque  region,  rich  in  coffee  fazendas  and  sugar 
plantations.  The  Paulista  system  of  railways  covers  eight  hundred  miles  and  transports 
more  than  a million  tons  of  freight,  annually,  chiefly  coffee. 

The  Mogyana  railway  crosses  the  State  from  Campinas  north  to  the  border  of  Minas, 
two  branches  terminating  at  the  stations  of  Santa  Rita  do  Paraizo  and  Jaguara,  on  the 


THE  NEW  VIADUCT  ON  THE  SERRA  BETWEEN  SAO  PAULO  AND  SANTOS 


dividing  line  between  the  two  States,  defined  by  the  course  of  the  Rio  Grande.  The 
Mogyana  railway  is  being  extended  through  Minas  to  the  State  of  Goyaz.  The  flourishing 


270 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


fazendas  of  Amparo,  Mogy-Mirim,  Sao  Joao  de  Boa  Vista,  Casa  Branca,  Sao  Jose,  Mococa, 
Sao  Simao,  Ribeirao  Preto,  Batataes,  and  Franca  are  situated  on  this  railway.  The  mileage 


CABLE  ROAD  BETWEEN  SAO  PAULO  AND  SANTOS. 


of  the  Mogyana  railway  is  nearly  equal  to  that  of  the  Paulista,  though  not  entirely  within 
the  limits  of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo.  The  scenery  along  the  Mogyana  route  is  often 
picturesque,  the  railway  crossing  many  beautiful  streams  as  it  winds  along  the  fertile  valleys 
of  the  Rio  Pardo  and  its  tributaries. 

The  great  Sorocabana  system  of  railways,  consisting  of  two  distinct  sections,  the 
Sorocabana  and  the  Ituana,  traverses  the  State  from  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo  to  the  remote 
western  and  northern  boundaries.  It  was  founded  in  1892  with  the  object  of  forming  a 
complete  system  to  connect  the  interior  directly  with  the  port  of  Santos.  The  Ituana  section 
extends  from  Jundiahy  to  Sao  Pedro,  through  the  rich  agricultural  districts  of  Itaicy, 
Capivary,  Piracicaba,  Itu  and  Porto  Feliz,  an  intersecting  railway  joining  the  Ituana  and 
Sorocabana  lines  at  Itaicy  and  Mayrink.  Mayrink,  on  the  main  line,  is  a pretty  little  town, 
and  the  Sorocabana  workshops  are  located  there.  The  operatives  have  comfortable  homes, 


RAILWAY  TRAUEL  IN  SAO  PAULO 


271 


and  in  the  neighborhood  are  thriving  farms  and  gardens,  which  supply  them  with  an 
abundance  of  products.  Mayrink  is  sixty  miles  west  of  Sao  Paulo,  Barra  Funda,  Sao  Joao, 
Pinheirinhos  and  other  new  stations  of  the  line  lying  between  it  and  the  capital.  The  scene 
at  Barra  Funda,  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo  is  particularly  animated  while  the 
work  of  construction  continues,  the  movement  of  material  for  the  extension  of  the  lines  in 
the  west  being  made  chiefly  at  this  point,  where  the  central  freight  station  of  the  line  is 
located.  Itu,  on  the  intersecting  line  between  Itaicy  and  Mayrink,  is  a historic  old  city, 
famous  as  the  cradle  of  the  Empire,  in  honor  of  which  Dorn  Pedro  I.  bestowed  on  it  the 
title  of  “Fidelissima.”  Its  schools  are  noted  throughout  the  State,  especially  the  Jesuit 
College,  Sao  Luiz  Gonzaga,  where  many  great  men  of  Brazil  have  been  educated.  Itu  was 
the  birthplace  of  the  Regent  Feijo.  The  waterfalls  of  the  Tiete,  which  occur  in  this  locality, 
furnish  abundant  motive  power  and  several  cotton  mills  and  factories  have  been  success- 
fully established,  though  the  most  productive  cotton  region  is  farther  south,  along  the 
main  line  of  the  Sorocabana  railway. 

While  the  Ituana  is  a regional  railway,  serving  only  the  traffic  of  a limited  territory,  the 
main  line  of  the  Sorocabana  forms  a great  artery  of  transportation,  extending,  with  its 
various  branches,  to  the  confines  of  the  State.  At  Itarare,  on  the  Parana  border,  it  connects 
with  the  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio  Grande  system  in  a vast  interstate  line  of  railways  through 
Parana,  Santa  Catharina  and  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  traversing  the  entire  southern  part  of  the 


VIEW  ON  THE  SAO  PAULO  RAILWAY. 


republic.  Toward  the  northwest  the  Sorocabana  is  being  extended  from  Bauru  to  provide 
a direct  outlet  for  traffic  between  Cuyaba,  in  the  State  of  Matto  Grosso,  and  the  seaport 


272 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


of  Santos.  Westward,  an  extension  of  the  line  from  Salto  Grande  and  Tibagy,  on  the 
Paranapanema  River  (the  dividing  line  between  Sao  Paulo  and  Parana)  is  under  con- 
struction to  establish  com- 
munication through  southern 
Matto  Grosso,  northern  Para- 
guay, and  the  State  of  Sao 
Paulo. 

Already  the  Sorocabana 
system  covers  eight  hundred 
miles  under  traffic,  its  lines 
passing  through  the  rich  cotton 
growing  districts  of  Sorocaba, 
from  which  the  railroad  takes 
its  name;  across  the  pasture 
lands  of  Aracassu  and  Faxina; 
and  into  the  heart  of  the  coffee 
region  of  Botucatu,  Sao  Manoel, 
and  Sao  Paulo  dos  Agudos.  Near  Botucatu  the  road  divides,  one  branch  going  to  Salto 
Grande  and  the  other  to  Bauru.  The  Itarare  branch  leaves  the  main  line  at  Boituva,  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  west  of  the  capital.  Throughout  the  country  traversed  by  the 
Sorocabana  railway,  the  climate  is  salubrious  and  the  soil  fertile.  The  annual  transportation 
of  coffee  over  this  road  amounts  to  two  million  sacks,  and  that  of  cotton  to  eight  million 
kilograms.  When  the  system  is  completed  it  will  carry  the  traffic  from  the  heart  of  the 
continent  to  the  coast.  It  thus  constitutes  one  of  the  most  important  factors  in  facilitating 
the  industrial  development  of  a great  part  of  southern  Brazil. 

The  State  of  Sao  Paulo  owns  the  Sorocabana  system,  which  was  originally  the  property 
of  a company,  but  was  taken  over  by  the  Federal  government  in  1904,  the  company  having 
forfeited  its  concession.  The  government  of  the  State  purchased  the  railway  in  January 
1907,  under  the  administration  of  President  Tibiriga,  paying  the  sum  of  three  million  eight 
hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling.  The  income  for  the  year  1906  was  sufficient  to  cover 
the  interest  on  the  capital  invested  and  to  leave  a surplus  of  six  per  cent  which  was  used  for 
improvements  and  new  construction  on  the  road.  In  addition  to  the  Sorocabana,  the  State 
also  owns  the  Funileiro  railway  which  connects  Guanabara  with  the  colony  of  Campos- 
Salles,  a distance  of  thirty-five  miles,  and  the  Cantareira  Tramway,  twenty  miles  in  length, 
which  connects  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo  with  the  Serra  da  Cantareira,  at  Parnahyba,  the  Light 
and  Power  Company’s  headquarters.  For  the  purpose  of  securing  a railway  service  in 
districts  not  able  to  support  a line,  the  State  has  contributed  large  sums,  and  liberal  loans 
have  been  made  to  companies  engaged  in  extending  lines  that  are  now  in  operation.  The 
Dourado  Railway  Company  has  received  government  assistance  in  extending  the  line  from 
Boa  Esperanga  westward,  and  the  Araraquara  Railway  Company  obtained  similar  aid  in 


RAILWAY  TRAVEL  IN  SAO  PAULO 


271 


constructing  a line  from  Ribeiraosinho  to  Sao  Joao  do  Rio  Preto.  The  government  also 
voted  a sum  of  money  to  complete  the  Pitangueiras  railway  to  the  rice-growing  district  of 
Viradouro,  in  the  valley  of  the  Mogy-Guassu.  A number  of  short  lines  belonging  to  private 
companies  make  connection  with  the  more  important  systems  of  railway. 

In  the  coast  region  new  railways  have  recently  been  constructed  to  facilitate  traffic 
with  the  interior,  and  between  various  ports.  The  State  government  has  taken  the  initiative 
in  a work  of  great  importance,  the  construction  of  a system  of  lines  tributary  to  the  port  of 
Sao  Sebastiao.  A railway  now  in  construction  from  Sao  Sebastiao  to  Mogy  das  Cruzes,  on 
the  line  of  the  Central,  will  enter  into  competition  with  the  Sao  Paulo  line  by  furnishing  a 
more  direct  outlet  to  the  seacoast  for  the  products  of  a large  section  of  country.  Various 
lines  are  projected  from  the  ports  of  Cananea,  Iguape,  and  other  coast  cities  to  connect 
them  with  the  capital  and  other  points,  and  facilitate  the  transportation  of  the  products  of 
this  region. 

At  present  all  the  railroads  of  the  State  carry  their  freight  for  export  over  the  Sao  Paulo 
line  to  the  port  of  Santos,  from  which  it  is  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  globe.  Santos  is  one 
of  the  best  maritime  ports  of  the  world,  and  one  of  the  most  important.  More  than  a 
thousand  steamers,  not  counting  sailing  vessels  call  during  the  year  at  this  port,  anchoring 
alongside  the  quay,  which  extends  for  more  than  two  miles,  from  the  terminal  station  of 
the  Sao  Paulo  railway  to  the  suburb  of  Outeirinhos,  on  the  water  front  facing  the  island  of 
Santo  Amaro.  The  splendid  system  of  docks  at  Santos  was  built  by  the  Docas  de  Santos 


TERMINUS  OF  THE  SAO  PAULO  RAILWAY  AT  SANTOS,  SHOWING  THE  DOCKS. 


Company,  which  undertook  the  enterprise  in  1892,  constructing  a great  sea  wall  of  granite, 
five  feet  above  the  high-water  mark,  on  a solid  base  varying  in  thickness  from  ten  to  twenty 


274 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


feet.  The  docks  are  provided  with  hydraulic  and  other  machinery  for  the  loading  and 
unloading  of  vessels,  and  the  largest  ocean  liners  may  be  seen  receiving  and  discharging 


MAYRINK,  WHERE  THE  SOROCABANA  RAILWAY  WORKSHOPS  ARE  LOCATED, 
SHOWING  WORKMEN  S HOMES. 


freight  here.  The  commerce  of  the  port  of  Santos  is  increasing  year  by  year,  the  report  of 
the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  showing  that  in  1906  the  imports  amounted  to  thirty-three 
million  dollars  gold  and  the  exports  to  one  hundred  million  dollars  gold,  one-third  more 
than  they  were  during  the  previous  year. 

The  port  of  Santos,  formerly  thought  to  be  one  of  the  most  insalubrious  ports  of  the 
tropics,  though  the  prevalence  of  epidemics  was  always  exaggerated,  has  now  become 
one  of  the  most  healthful  and  least  visited  by  disease.  The  sanitation  of  the  city  and  the 
port  has  been  effected  through  the  persistent  and  constant  effort  of  the  government.  Santos 
now  has  perfect  drainage  and  a complete  waterworks  system;  and  the  hygienic  measures 
adopted  in  the  interests  of  public  health  promise  most  satisfactory  results.  The  water 
supply  amounts  to  fifteen  million  litres  daily,  a quantity  quite  adequate  to  the  needs  of  the 
population,  which  numbers  thirty-five  thousand. 

But  although  Santos  is  essentially  a commercial  centre,  and  there  is  little  in  its  busy 
streets,  lined  with  warehouses,  its  docks  crowded  with  shipping,  or  its  business-like 
populace,  to  indicate  the  haunts  of  the  scholar,  or  the  sentiment  of  tradition,  yet  this 


RAILWAY  TRAVEL  IN  SAO  PAULO 


27$ 


bustling  city  possesses  the  proud  distinction  of  having  been  the  cradle  of  some  of  Brazil’s 
greatest  men,  and  in  some  of  its  historic  landmarks  are  to  be  read  the  legends  of  the 
earliest  civilization  in  Brazil. 

The  town  was  founded  by 
Braz  Cubas  in  the  middle  of 
the  sixteenth  century,  and  re- 
ceived its  name  from  a hospital 
established  by  the  founder  in 
1^44,  the  first  charitable  insti- 
tution in  Brazil,  which  was 
called  Todos  os  Santos,  or  All 
Saints,  the  name  “ Santos  ” 
being  gradually  used  to  desig- 
nate the  town.  Braz  Cubas 
spent  the  greater  part  of  his 
life  in  Brazil,  died  at  an  ad- 
vanced age  and  was  buried  in  the  chapel  of  the  hospital  which  he  had  founded.  From  the 
neighboring  hill  of  Montserrat,  on  the  summit  of  which  is  one  of  the  oldest  shrines  of 
Brazil,  Nossa  Senhora  de  Montserrat,  a superb  panorama  of  the  city  and  harbor  of  Santos 
is  presented  to  view. 

The  city  of  Santos  is  situated  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  island  of  Sao  Vicente,  a small 
strip  of  land  lying  so  close  to  the  mainland  as  to  form  a peninsula  in  the  dry  season,  when 
the  river  Sao  Vicente,  on  the  western  boundary,  carries  no  water.  A deep  channel  sepa- 
rates the  island  of  Sao  Vicente  from  the  larger  one  of  Santo  Amaro,  and  this  channel  forms 
the  chief  entrance  to  the  port  of  Santos.  The  bay  of  Santos  is  very  picturesque,  the  sur- 
rounding hills  sloping  down  to 
the  water’s  edge,  clothed  in  the 
beautiful  verdure  of  the  tropics. 
At  the  western  extremity  of 
the  island  lies  the  old  town 
of  Sao  Vicente,  which  is  con- 
nected with  Santos  by  railway. 
Along  the  southern  shore  ex- 
tends the  Praia  Jose  Menino, 
and  the  Praia  do  Em  bare,  popu- 
lar summer  resorts,  not  only 
for  the  people  of  Santos,  but  for 
those  of  Sao  Paulo  and  other 
interior  cities.  At  the  entrance  to  the  channel  on  the  east,  the  fortress  of  Barra  Grande 
serves  as  a protection  to  the  port.  Opposite  the  fortress,  the  suburb  of  Barra  presents 


SOROCABANA  STATION  OF  BARRA  FUNDA,  SHOWING  MATERIAL  FOR 
CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  LINE  TO  MATTO  GROSSO. 


VIEW  ON  THE  SOROCABANA  LINE  BETWEEN  SAO  JOAO  AND 
PINHEIRINHOS,  SAO  PAULO. 


276 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


an  attractive  appearance  with  many  pretty  country  homes  and  shaded  driveways.  After 
entering  the  channel  from  the  open  bay,  the  scene  becomes  even  more  picturesque,  the 
landscape  on  both  sides  being  varied  and  charming.  Midway  up  the  channel  the  quay 
begins,  at  Outeirinhos,  continuing  to  the  landing  place,  which  is  marked  by  a long  line  of 
steamers  that  press  close  to  the  docks. 

From  the  landing  place  the  city  of  Santos  spreads  out,  at  first  through  narrow  and 
tortuous  streets,  then  extending  southward  to  the  more  modern  part  of  the  city,  where 
broader  thoroughfares  mark  the  progress  of  wealth  and  enterprise.  Street  cars  run  in  all 
directions,  presenting  their  busiest  spectacle  at  the  close  of  business  hours,  when  they  carry 
the  tired  throng  out  to  the  suburbs.  Two  broad  and  well-paved  avenues,  three  miles  in 
length,  Avenida  Nebias  and  Avenida  Anna  Costa,  connect  the  city  with  the  bay  side  resort 
of  Jose  Menino,  forming  beautiful  promenades  in  automobile  or  carriage. 

Across  the  bay  from  Santos  is  situated  one  of  the  most  delightful  resorts  in  Brazil,  the 
seaside  city  of  Guaruja  on  the  island  of  Santo  Amaro.  It  is  built  upon  a huge  knoll,  shaped 
like  half  an  orange,  overlooking  the  ocean,  and  surrounded  by  high  hills  covered  with  virgin 
forests.  From  the  seaport  of  Santos  there  are  steamers  daily  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  the  passage 
taking  from  twelve  to  fifteen  hours.  All  the  large  passenger  as  well  as  freight  steamers  call 
at  Santos,  and  it  is  quite  usual  for  passengers  to  disembark  at  Santos,  take  a train  over  the 
Sao  Paulo  railway  to  the  city  of  Sao  Paulo,  enjoy  the  magnificent  trip  over  the  Serra  do  Mar, 
and  then,  after  a day’s  sojourn  in  the  State  capital,  continue  their  journey  to  Rio  by  the 
Central  railway,  through  the  beautiful  Parahyba  valley  and  once  more  across  the  Serra  do 
Mar,  to  the  Federal  capital.  By  the  extension  of  its  railways,  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo  is 
opening  the  way  for  the  greatest  possible  development  of  its  vast  resources.  With  railway 
communication  it  is  easy  to  attract  foreign  settlers,  and  colonies  established  along  the  high- 
ways of  travel  flourish  and  increase  in  number  and  prosperity,  while  manufacturing  industries 
grow  in  proportion  to  the  increase  in  facilities  for  transportation. 


SCENE  ON  THE  RIVER  TIETE,  VIEWED  FROM  THE  RAILWAY  TRAIN. 


. 


THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE  AT  BELLO  HORIZONTE,  STATE  OF  MINES  GERAES. 


CHAPTER  XVI 


MINAS  GERAES 

'T'O  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes  belongs  the 
A honor  of  having  sheltered  the  first  mar- 
tyrs of  the  Republican  cause  in  Brazil,  and 
of  having  been  the  chief  centre  of  many 
political  victories  in  the  history  of  the  empire, 
as  well  as  the  home  of  some  of  the  noblest 
patriots  and  statesmen  whose  deeds  embel- 
lish the  national  annals  from  the  colonial 
period  to  the  present  day.  Minas  Geraes, 
like  Sao  Paulo,  wields  an  important  influ- 
ence in  national  affairs  and  is,  not  only 
politically,  but  also  socially  and  industrially, 
one  of  the  greatest  States  of  the  Union. 
As  capitanias,  Minas  Geraes  and  Sao  Paulo 
were  united  under  one  government  from 
1709  until  1720,  and  even  after  they  be- 
came separated  remained  closely  allied  in 
adherence  to  the  principles  of  progress 
and  independence,  always  standing  together 
as  leaders  in  the  promotion  of  their  coun- 
try’s highest  interests. 

The  State  of  Minas  Geraes  is  larger  than  the  republic  of  France.  It  covers  an  area  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  square  miles,  the  greater  portion  of  which  is  an  elevated 
plateau,  forming  part  of  the  vast  central  tableland  of  Brazil.  It  lies  in  the  heart  of  a rich 
mineral  and  agricultural  region,  and  its  boundary  line  is  marked  by  six  important  States:  on 
the  south  are  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio,  the  latter  also  extending  to  form  part  of  the  eastern 

boundary,  which  further  includes  Espirito  Santos  and  a narrow  strip  of  southern  Bahia;  on 

279 


DR.  JOAO  PINHEIRO  DA  SILVA,  PRESIDENT  OF 
MINAS  GERAES. 


280 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


the  north,  the  whole  length  of  the  State  is  bordered  by  Bahia;  and  the  western  limit  is 
defined  by  the  States  of  Goyaz  and  Matto  Grosso,  though  the  latter  merely  touches  the 
extreme  western  point  where  the  confluence  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  Paranahyba  forms 
the  Parana  River.  Crossing  the  State  from  north  to  south  is  the  mountain  chain  of  Serra 
da  Mantiqueira,  which  takes  various  names  according  to  the  district  it  traverses,  as  Serra  do 
Espinhaco,  Serra  Branca,  Serra  das  Canastras,  the  last-named  being  especially  noted  as  the 
source  of  the  great  Sao  Francisco  River,  while  the  Serra  do  Espinhaco  is  remarkable  as  the 
source  of  the  Rio  das  Velhas  and  the  Rio  Doce,  which  drain  the  most  important  gold  and 
diamond  lands  of  Brazil.  Although  Minas  Geraes  is  one  of  the  interior  States,  easy  access  to 
the  port  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  excellent  railway  facilities  afford  every  advantage  in  the  promo- 
tion of  trade  relations;  while  in  climate  and  fertility  there  is  no  State  of  Brazil  more  favored. 

Minas  Geraes  has  a population  of  four  million  five  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  which 
is  greater  than  that  of  any  other  State  of  Brazil  and  is  equal  to  that  of  some  of  the  largest 
States  of  the  United  States.  It  is  a notable  fact  that  in  this  well-populated  State,  there  are 
no  very  large  cities,  the  population  being  distributed  over  all  sections,  in  one  hundred  and 
seventeen  cities  of  from  five  thousand  to  forty  thousand  inhabitants,  besides  innumerable 
small  towns  and  villages.  There  are  few  evidences  of  enormous  wealth,  and  none  of 
extreme  poverty,  the  general  appearance  being  that  of  a prosperous  and  contented  people, 
of  wholesome  tastes  and  modest  living,  who  are  noted  for  integrity  and  hospitality,  and  are 
little  given  to  speculation  or  extravagance.  The  Mineiro,  as  a native  of  Minas  Geraes  is  called, 
is  a great  lover  of  country  life,  possessed  of  the  spirit  of  independence,  always  patriotic  and 
an  admirer  of  hardy  courage  and  industry.  His  philosophy  leads  him  to  enjoy  the  simple 
life,  and  to  seek  happiness  in  the  home  circle.  The  library  of  a Mineiro  of  culture  reveals 
his  tendency  to  study  the  classics,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  here  the  masterpieces  of 
ancient  and  modern  thought.  One  frequently  meets  children  named  in  honor  of  some 
grand  old  hero  of  philosophy,  and  there  is  more  than  one  “Benjamin  Franklin  ” in  the  State; 
for  “ Poor  Richard  ” has  many  sincere  and  affectionate  admirers  in  the  mountain  villages  of 
Minas  Geraes,  which  has  been  called  the  Switzerland  of  Brazil,  and  deserves  the  title  as 
much  for  the  freedom-loving  character  of  its  people  as  for  the  picturesque  attractiveness 
of  its  scenery. 

But  if  the  cities  of  Minas  Geraes  are  not  crowded  centres  of  population,  they  have  the 
advantage  of  beautiful  location  and  a healthful  climate,  as  well  as  the  charm  of  a sympa- 
thetic and  genial  social  life.  The  capital  of  the  State  is  Bello  Horizonte,  a new  and  flourishing 
city  of  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  and  a conspicuous  example  of  the  spirit  of  progress 
and  enterprise  which  animates  the  Brazilian  of  to-day,  not  only  in  Minas  Geraes  and  in  the 
Federal  district  but  throughout  the  republic.  It  is  not  more  than  ten  years  since  the  site  of 
the  present  city  was  selected  for  the  capital  of  the  State.  Within  such  a remarkably  short 
time  the  work  of  construction  has  been  completed  with  so  much  efficiency  and  good  taste 
that  the  new  capital  presents  the  appearance  of  a model  city,  laid  out  in  broad,  well  paved 
avenues,  lined  with  shade  trees  and  crossed  at  right  angles  by  straight  and  carefully  graded 


MINAS  GERAES 


281 

streets,  having  many  handsome  public  edifices,  and  modern-looking  residences,  which  in 
some  instances  are  set  in  the  midst  of  beautiful  gardens. 

Bello  Horizonte  is  built  in  a lovely  valley  surrounded  by  hills,  and  throughout  its  length 
runs  a small  river,  a branch  of  the  Rio  das  Velhas,  with  a number  of  pretty  cascades  at 
intervals  to  brighten  its  rippling  course.  A magnificent  park  extends  along  both  sides 
of  the  stream,  beautified  by  great  branching  trees,  shrubs  and  clinging  vines.  A broad 
driveway  leads  through  the  park,  and  picturesque  by-paths  make  it  a delightful  place  for  a 
promenade.  In  extent  and  natural  beauty  it  rivals  all  other  city  parks  of  Brazil.  The  city 
is  distinguished  for  its  wide  shaded  avenues  and  the  uniformly  modern  architecture  of 
its  buildings.  The  principal  avenue,  named  after  the  present  president  of  Brazil,  who  was 
also  the  founder  of  Bello  Horizonte,  “Affonso  Penna,”  extends  through  the  central  part  of 
the  city  for  a distance  of  two  miles.  This  avenue  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  broad  and 
has  three  rows  of  shade  trees  throughout  its  length.  While  driving  through  Bello  Horizonte 
one  is  constantly  reminded  of  the  beautifully  shaded  avenues  of  Washington,  the  Capital 
of  the  United  States,  though  the  latter  lacks  the  picturesque  effect  of  the  surrounding  hills 


PALACE  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  INTERIOR.  STATE  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


in  which  the  long  straight  streets  of  Bello  Horizonte  seem  to  lose  themselves.  More  than 
ten  thousand  trees  embellish  the  city’s  thoroughfares.  At  the  head  of  the  Avenida  Affonso 


282 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


Penna,  surrounding  one  of  the  principal  squares  of  the  city,  are  situated  the  palaces  of  the 
president,  and  of  the  secretaries  of  interior,  finance,  and  agriculture.  The  president’s  palace 

is  the  handsomest  State  capital 
in  Brazil,  and  was  erected  at  a 
cost  of  half  a million  dollars 
gold.  The  artistic  architecture 
of  the  interior,  especially  the 
effective  design  of  the  grand 
staircase  and  gallery  leading  to 
the  president’s  apartments,  and 
the  appearance  of  the  lofty 
dome,  richly  ornamented  with 
paintings,  which  surmounts  the 
central  hall,  are  notably  attract- 
ive. The  motto  of  the  State, 
“ Libertas  quae  sera  tamen ,” 
appears  in  relief  over  the  main 
entrance  on  the  State  coat-of- 
arms,  which  also  bears  allegorical  figures  representing  agriculture  and  mining.  The  motto 
is  the  heritage  left  to  his  native  State  by  the  martyr  Tiradentes  and  his  followers,  who 
adopted  as  their  ensign  a green  triangle  on  a white  ground,  emblematic  of  the  Trinity, 
having  the  above  words  from  Virgil  surrounding  the  three  sides. 

Not  only  is  the  city  of  Bello  Horizonte  well  paved  and  lighted,  provided  with  a 
complete  system  of  electric  street  railways,  and  supplied  daily  with  fifteen  million  litres  of 
water  from  four  surrounding  reservoirs,  as  well  as  furnished  with  modern  drainage  facilities, 
but  it  is  centrally  located  in  the  State,  on  the  principal  line  of  railway,  the  Central,  only  four 
hundred  miles  from  the  Federal  capital.  As  the  chief  seat  of  the  State  government, 
Bello  Horizonte  is  the  residence  of  the  president,  Dr.  Joao  Pinheiro  da  Silva,  and  of  the  sec- 
retaries of  the  various  departments.  Dr.  Pinheiro  has  been  twice  president  of  Minas,  having 
filled  this  office  during  the  first  years  of  the  republic  as  the  successor  to  Cesario  Alvim. 
His  well-known  republican  principles,  and  the  patriotic  and  disinterested  character  of  his 
services  to  his  country  have  always  given  him  a high  place  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow 
countrymen.  During  the  present  administration,  progress  has  been  particularly  notable  in 
educational  and  industrial  affairs,  the  reports  of  the  secretaries  of  these  departments, 
Dr.  Manoel  Thomas  de  Carvalho  Britto  and  Dr.  Joao  Braulio  showing  that  marked  develop- 
ment has  resulted  from  the  judicious  efforts  devoted  to  these  branches  of  the  government. 

Public  instruction  in  Minas  Geraes  has  steadily  advanced  in  scope  and  efficiency  since 
the  inauguration  of  the  republic,  especial  attention  being  given  to  primary  training,  which  is 
the  basis  of  general  education  in  any  country.  As  early  as  18^0,  Minas  had  its  Horace 
Mann  in  the  person  of  Canon  Bhering,  who  was  instrumental  in  filling  the  public  schools 


STREET  SCENE  IN  BELLO  HORIZONTE. 


MINAS  GERAES 


283 


and  in  bringing  about  an  era  of  development  in  the  history  of  education  in  this  State  which 
left  its  impress  upon  the  succeeding  generation,  and  may  still  be  noted  in  the  Mineiro’s  appre- 
ciation of  educational  advantages.  From  motives  of  economy,  however,  the  work  so  well 
begun  by  Canon  Bhering  was  allowed  to  fall  behind,  and  it  was  not  until  twenty  years  later 
that  education  recovered  from  this  drawback  and  became  again  a subject  of  the  government’s 
most  serious  consideration.  At  that  time  the  Normal  School  of  Ouro  Preto  (then  the  capital 
of  the  province)  was  founded,  followed  the  next  year  by  the  inauguration  of  the  Normal 
School  of  Campanha.  The  number  of  schools  was  increased  and  a larger  average  attend- 
ance secured.  But  at  no  period  in  the  history  of  the  State  was  the  attendance  so  large  as  it 
has  been  within  the  past  fifteen  years,  and  the  outlook  is  especially  favorable  for  its  growth 
since  the  reorganization  of  the  school  system,  which  has  been  effected  during  the  present 
administration.  The  attendance  for  the  year  1906  was  ninety-six  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  pupils  in  the  primary  schools,  the  average  attendance  at  each  school  being  sixty- 
four  pupils.  The  budget  for  primary  school  expenses  reaches  about  a million  dollars  gold 
annually.  There  are  nine  school  groups,  or  graded  schools  in  the  State,  of  which  two  are 
located  in  the  capital,  two  in  Juiz  de  Fora,  one  each  in  Sao  Joao  Nepomuceno,  Arassuahy, 
Lavras,  Oliveira,  and  Passa  Quatro,  the  attendance  in  these  schools  numbering  four  thousand 
pupils.  Tuition  is  free  and  compulsory  by  law.  Minas  Geraes  has  many  public-spirited 
citizens,  who,  although  not  able,  like  a Stanford  or  a Vanderbilt,  to  endow  great  universities, 
have  contributed  liberally  to  public  instruction.  Colonel  Francisco  Fernandes  de  Andrade  e 
Silva,  a capitalist  of  the  city  of  Oliveira,  paid  out  of  his  private  funds  for  the  site  and  building 
of  the  school  in  Oliveira;  and 
an  Instruction  League  has  raised 
funds  by  popular  subscription 
for  the  same  purpose  in  Ouro 
Fino.  Private  initiative  has  se- 
cured the  necessary  land  and 
buildings  for  school  groups  in 
Uberaba,  Rio  Pardo,  and  Theo- 
philo  Ottoni,  and  the  munici- 
palities are  aiding  every  effort 
put  forth  in  this  way  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  education. 

In  Sahara,  Itabira  do  Matto 
Dentro,  Sao  Caetano  da  Vargem 
Grande,  Guaranesia,  Rio  Novo, 

Pitanguy,  Aguas  Virtuosas,  Bar- 
bacena,  Cataguazes,  and  Villa 
Santa  Quiteria,  new  buildings  have  been  secured  for  school  groups.  Everywhere  in  the 
State,  interest  in  education  is  shown  by  a willing  acquiescence  on  the  part  of  the  people 


PALACE  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE,  BELLO  HORIZONTE. 


284 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


in  the  various  reforms  made  by  the  government.  An  important  feature  of  the  educational 
methods  employed  in  this  State  is  the  pedagogical  conference  held  annually  at  the  capital 


COLLEGE  OF  LAW,  BELLO  HORIZONTE. 


as  a means  of  stimulating  endeavor  among  the  teachers  in  the  more  remote  districts,  and 
also  for  the  purpose  of  affording  them  the  benefits  of  association  with  their  fellow-workers. 
Lectures  are  given  on  these  occasions  by  a distinguished  educator  in  primary  work,  Miss  Maria 
Guilhermina  Loureiro  de  Andrade,  who  was  trained  in  the  Normal  Schools  of  New  York, 
and  has  been  identified  with  the  inauguration  of  primary  schools  in  Sao  Paulo,  Rio,  and 
Minas  Geraes,  and  who  is  now  director  of  the  second  school  group  of  Bello  Horizonte. 
Under  the  Department  of  Superior  Instruction,  the  Free  School  of  Law  was  established  in 
1892,  and  also  an  advanced  School  of  Pharmacy;  the  secondary  courses  are  taught  in  the 
Gymnasia  Mineiro,  modelled  after  the  Gymnasio  Nacional,  and  having  dependencies  in  Ouro 
Preto  and  in  Barbacena.  In  addition  to  the  Normal  Schools,  several  institutions  exist  under 
the  charge  of  the  Department  of  Special  Instruction,  such  as  the  School  of  Mines,  the 
Collegio  Mineiro,  Lyceu  de  Artes  e Officios,  Seminario  de  Marianna,  Collegio  das  Irmas  de 
Caridade  [College  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity],  and  others. 

As  the  future  greatness  of  the  State  of  Minas  depends  largely  upon  its  agricultural  and 
mineral  development,  especial  attention  is  given  to  instruction  in  these  branches,  which  are 
incorporated  in  the  course  of  study  from  the  primary  school  to  the  university.  Agricultural 
schools  and  model  farms  have  been  established,  the  school  of  Madeiro  and  the  model  farm 
of  Gamelleira,  four  miles  from  Bello  Horizonte,  having  been  purchased  by  the  State  for  this 


MINAS  GERAES 


285' 


purpose.  In  connection  with  the  agricultural  schools,  the  government  has  installed  apparatus 
for  sinking  artesian  wells,  for  purposes  of  irrigation.  In  these  institutions  the  most  improved 
and  modern  methods  of  agriculture  are  taught  and  practical  demonstrations  made  by  classes 
in  the  field,  where  all  the  work  of  a farm  is  carried  on  during  the  school  term. 

The  fertility  of  the  soil  of  Minas  Geraes  permits  the  cultivation  of  all  kinds  of  products, 
and  upon  the  grassy  plains  of  the  upper  plateaus  cattle  raising  is  particularly  favored  by  the 
conditions  of  climate  and  vegetation.  Even  in  the  high  serras,  the  sheltered  valleys  produce 
sugar  cane,  Indian  corn,  rice,  and  bananas.  Agriculture  flourishes  with  little  labor.  Since 
the  introduction  of  modern  implements  and  machinery,  harvests  of  all  kinds  have  been 
greatly  increased,  though  even  in  remote  districts  where  agriculture  is  carried  on  in  the 
most  primitive  fashion,  bountiful  crops  of  Indian  corn  are  gathered  from  farms  which  have 
had  no  other  preparation  than  simply  burning  off  the  underbrush  from  a new  piece  of  land, 
making  holes  with  a sharpened  stick,  and  dropping  into  them  the  seed,  leaving  to  nature  all 
further  responsibility  as  to  results.  Sugar  cane  also  grows  without  cultivation.  The  Sao 
Francisco  valley  yields  large  crops  of  tobacco,  Indian  corn,  sugar  cane,  cotton,  rice,  mandioca, 
yams,  sweet  potatoes,  and  black  beans,  or  feijoes;  Irish  potatoes,  rye,  barley,  and  vanilla  are 
also  grown;  and  fruit  is  plentiful,  of  excellent  quality  and  great  variety. 

The  entire  State  is  watered  by  the  Sao  Francisco  and  its  tributaries;  by  the  Rio  Doce, 
the  Jequitinhonha  (celebrated  for  the  diamonds  and  other  precious  stones  found  along  its 
course),  and  the  Mucury,  all  of  which  flow  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean ; and  by  the  Rio  Grande, 
Paranahyba,  and  other  branches  of  the  Parana,  that  drain  the  southwestern  part  of  the 


PALACE  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  FINANCE.  BELLO  HORIZONTE. 

State.  The  course  of  the  Sao  Francisco  is  almost  due  north,  from  its  source  near  the 
southern  border  of  Minas  Geraes  throughout  the  entire  State,  receiving  from  both  sides 


286 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


large  tributaries,  navigable  at  intervals;  their  course,  like  that  of  the  main  stream,  being 
interrupted  by  waterfalls  which  are  capable  of  supplying  motive  force  for  the  largest 
manufacturing  enterprises.  The  cascades  of  the  Sao  Francisco  River  are  among  the  most 

picturesque  in  the  world,  and 
several  of  these  occur  within 
the  State  of  Minas  Geraes.  The 
first  leap  is  made  by  the  Casca 
d’Auta  over  a precipice  of  one 
hundred  feet  into  a narrow 
channel  between  high  perpen- 
dicular walls,  through  which 
the  current  rushes  madly, 
plunging  into  the  cascade  Pira- 
pora,  and  receiving  imme- 
diately afterward  its  proud 
confluent,  the  Rio  das  Velhas, 
as  it  pours  out  a turbulent 
flood  into  the  great  stream. 
The  course  of  this  river  extends  for  more  than  two  thousand  miles,  draining,  with  its  tribu- 
taries, the  States  of  Minas  Geraes,  Bahia,  Pernambuco,  Sergipe,  and  Alagoas.  The  valley  of 
the  Sao  Francisco  is  unsurpassed  in  fertility,  furnishing  one  of  the  richest  sources  of  revenue 
to  the  State,  though  its  enormous  productiveness  has  not  yet  been  thoroughly  exploited. 

The  chief  agricultural  product  of  the  State  of  Minas  is  coffee,  which  is  grown  on  a large 
scale  in  the  southern  section,  the  export  for  1906  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  forty-three 
million  two  hundred  and  fifty-four  thousand  four  hundred  and  ninety-eight  kilograms. 
Extensive  fazendas  stretch  along  the  valleys  of  the  Parahybuna,  a branch  of  the  Parahyba 
River,  and  the  Sapucahy,  a branch  of  the  Rio  Grande.  But  though  coffee  culture  occupies 
the  principal  share  of  attention,  other  products  are  gaining  in  importance  annually,  especially 
sugar  cane,  rice,  cotton  and  cereals.  In  order  to  encourage  the  culture  of  cereals,  the 
State  has  adopted  a protective  tariff  on  all  imported  cereals  that  can  be  grown  on  its  soil. 
It  is  the  constant  effort  of  the  government  to  promote  agricultural  industry  in  every  possible 
way,  and,  in  addition  to  the  special  schools  and  the  protective  tariff,  a system  of  agricul- 
tural credit  has  been  established,  enabling  farmers  to  pass  through  a bad  season  safely  or  to 
withstand  the  misfortunes  of  an  over-productive  harvest  with  its  attendant  low  prices. 
Recently  a North  American  company  with  a capital  of  half  a million  dollars,  was  formed  in 
the  State,  having  secured  the  concession  for  a large  tract  of  land  on  which  to  cultivate 
hemp  and  other  fibres,  under  a guarantee  to  plant,  within  four  years,  not  less  than  a million 
trees.  North  American  experts  have  also  been  engaged  by  the  government  to  cultivate  rice 
according  to  the  most  approved  modern  methods,  and  under  agreement  to  employ  not  less 
than  ten  apprentices  annually,  who  shall  have  an  opportunity  to  study  the  system  used. 


THE  BIRTHPLACE  OF  PRESIDENT  AFFONSO  PENNA,  SANTA  BARBARA. 
STATE  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


MINAS  GERAES 


287 


The  rice  exported  in  1906  amounted  to  four  million  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eight  kilograms,  five  times  the  quantity  harvested  the  year  previous. 

In  the  north  and  west  of  the  State  extend  vast  pasture  lands,  the  principal  wealth  of 
this  region  arising  from  cattle  raising  and  dairy  products.  The  exports  of  cattle  from 
Minas  Geraes  during  the  year  1906  was  two  hundred  and  nine  thousand  four  hundred  and 
sixty-four  head,  valued  at  seven  million  dollars  gold. 

Dairy  produce  has  grown  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  exports.  “Minas  butter”  is 
especially  noted  for  its  quality,  and  bears  an  international  record,  having  secured  the  highest 
premium  at  the  World’s  Exposition  of  St.  Louis  in  1904.  The  export  of  this  product  has 
increased  within  the  past  six  years  from  thirty  thousand  to  one  million  five  hundred 
thousand  kilograms  annually.  “Minas  cheese,”  “Minas  eggs,”  and  “fresh  Minas  milk”  are 
familiar  signs  in  the  stores  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  which  gets  its  chief  dairy  supply  from  this 
source.  The  manufacture  of  wine  is  a growing  industry  in  Minas  Geraes,  the  demand  for 
home  consumption  increasing  with  the  supply;  grapes  of  several  distinct  varieties  are 
cultivated,  of  which  the  “Isabella”  is  the  most  popular  for  wine  manufacturing  purposes. 
According  to  the  best  authorities,  the  ferruginous  nature  of  the  soil  and  the  abundance  of 
gravel  adapt  it  especially  to  the  needs  of  viticulture,  which  promises  to  be  one  of  the  most 
successful  industries  in  Brazil.  In  various  localities,  principally  in  Barbacena  and  Itabira 
de  Matto  Dentro,  the  silkworm  industry  is  an  important  source  of  revenue.  The  favor- 
able climate  and  the  success  with  which  the  mulberry  tree  is  planted  in  any  part  of  the 
State,  promise  a great  future  for  this  product,  which  requires  little  labor  and  is  cultivated 
chiefly  by  the  women  of  the 
community. 

There  are  unlimited  oppor- 
tunities for  the  small  farmer  in 
Minas  Geraes,  and  the  foreign 
colonies  of  the  State  are  pros- 
perous and  growing  in  impor- 
tance. The  State  government 
has  recently  set  apart  eight 
colonial  centres,  divided  into 
one  thousand  and  twenty- 
seven  lots,  covering  an  area 
of  about  twenty-five  thousand 
acres.  These  centres  are:  Rod- 
rigo Silva,  situated  in  the  muni- 
cipal district  of  Barbacena ; 

Nova-Baden,  in  that  of  Aguas  Virtuosas;  Francisco  Salles  in  Pouso  Alegre;  and  Affonso 
Penna,  Bias  Fortes,  Carlos  Prates,  Adalberto  Ferraz  and  Americo  Werneck  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  capital.  There  are  three  thousand  colonists  in  these  settlements,  chiefly  Italians, 


288 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


Portuguese,  Austrians,  French,  and  Germans.  The  older  colonies,  established  years  ago, 
have  grown  to  be  flourishing  towns,  especially  those  settled  by  the  Germans,  Theophilo 

Ottoni  in  the  north  and  Juiz  de  Fora 
in  the  south. 

The  city  of  Juiz  de  Fora,  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  State,  is  an  im- 
portant industrial  and  commercial 
centre,  containing  twenty  thousand 
inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the  main 
line  of  the  Central  railway,  in  a region 
of  great  productiveness,  and  is  blessed 
with  a climate  of  mild  and  salubrious 
character.  It  is  of  comparatively  mod- 
ern growth,  dating  from  the  middle  of 
the  nineteenth  century;  its  streets  and 
buildings  are  of  substantial  and  hand- 
some appearance,  its  numerous  edu- 
cational and  charitable  institutions  are 
in  a flourishing  condition,  and  the 
municipality  enjoys  the  advantages  of 
such  modern  improvements  as  electric 
lighting,  good  pavements,  a street  car 
system,  and  waterworks.  One  of 
the  most  important  establishments  is 
the  immigrant  station,  which  provides 
every  convenience  for  the  foreign 
colonist  until  he  is  finally  settled  in  the  land  as  a permanent  resident.  Among  the  chief  manu- 
facturing industries  of  Juiz  de  Fora  are  cotton  mills,  agricultural  implement  factories,  machine 
shops,  foundries,  and  various  other  important  enterprises.  Juiz  de  Fora  is  connected  by  rail- 
way with  Rio  de  Janeiro,  two  hundred  miles  away,  and  with  the  chief  towns  of  the  State. 

Railways  traverse  the  State  of  Minas  in  every  direction,  covering  an  extent  of  three 
thousand  miles.  The  longest  road  is  the  Minas  Western,  seven  hundred  miles  in  extent, 
which  begins  at  Sitio,  a station  on  the  Central  railway,  and  runs  northward  and  westward, 
passing  through  the  populous  and  thriving  town  of  Sao  Joao  d’El  Rei  in  the  fertile  valley 
of  the  Rio  das  Mortes,  one  of  the  most  important  educational  and  industrial  centres  of  the 
State;  through  Lavras,  in  a rich  agricultural  region,  drained  by  the  Rio  Grande;  passing  many 
beautiful,  picturesque  towns,  noted  for  a salubrious  climate  and  great  fertility  of  soil,  such 
as  Oliveira,  Bom  Successo,  Itapecerica,  Pitanguy;  and  reaching  its  northern  terminus  near 
Abaete,  in  the  pastoral  district  of  the  State,  and  celebrated  for  the  discovery  of  some  of 
the  largest  diamonds  taken  out  of  Brazil.  The  Leopoldina  system  of  railways  extends  into 


MINAS  GERAES 


289 


the  State  of  Minas  and  covers  more  than  six  hundred  miles  with  its  various  branches, 
running  northward  from  Serraria,  a station  on  the  Central  railway  near  the  southern  border, 
to  Saude,  through  a fertile  coffee  growing  region.  On  this  line  is  located  the  city  of 
Rio  Novo,  celebrated  for  its  agriculture,  especially  coffee  growing.  It  lies  in  the  valley 
of  the  Piau  River,  and  is  one  of  the  stations  on  the  Juiz  de  Fora  and  Piau  railway,  a short 
line  which  traverses  this  rich  coffee  growing  region.  Leopoldina,  Pomba,  Cataguazes, 
Visconde  do  Rio-Branco,  and  Ponte  Nova  are  important  towns  on  the  Leopoldina  railway, 
all  producing  an  abundance  of  coffee  as  well  as  of  sugar  and  cereals. 

The  Central  railway  of  Brazil  has  six  hundred  miles  of  road  in  the  State  of  Minas 
Geraes,  which  it  enters  near  Serraria  in  the  valley  of  the  Parahyba  River,  extending  north 
to  Curvello.  Many  of  the  larger  cities  of  the  State  are  situated  on  this  line,  which  passes 
through  Juiz  de  Fora,  Barbacena,  a picturesque  and  progressive  city,  five  thousand  feet 
above  sea  level,  with  a population  of  fifteen  thousand,  and  through  an  important  pastoral 
centre,  Queluz,  Sahara,  and  Bello  Horizonte.  A branch  line  of  this  system  runs  to  Ouro  Preto. 


OURO  PRETO.  THE  FORMER  CAPITAL  OF  THE  STATE  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


The  former  capital  of  the  State,  Ouro  Preto,  is  a picturesque  mountain  town  of  twenty 
thousand  inhabitants,  situated  on  the  slope  of  one  of  the  mountains  of  the  Serra  de  Ouro 
Preto  at  a height  of  about  four  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  in  the  basin  of  the 


290 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Rio  Doce,  and  not  far  from  the  headwaters  of  the  Rio  das  Velhas.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest 
cities  of  Brazil,  having  been  an  important  centre  of  government  when  Minas  Geraes  was  a 


JUIZ  DE  FORA,  A PROSPEROUS  CITY  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


capitania  of  Portugal  and,  as  the  possessor  of  enormous  wealth,  one  of  the  mother-country’s 
most  carefully  guarded  strongholds.  But  the  chief  interest  attaching  to  this  quaint  old  town 
is  derived  from  its  share  in  the  memorable  events  connected  with  the  Tiradentes  conspiracy, 
and  the  fate  of  the  little  company  of  poets  whose  dream  of  liberty  was  so  ruthlessly 
shattered  by  the  cruel  sentence  of  a rigorous  court.  In  the  principal  public  square,  appro- 
priately named  “Praga  da  Independence,”  a marble  column,  surmounted  by  a statue  of 
the  martyred  Tiradentes,  commemorates  the  execution  of  the  patriot;  the  pedestal  of  the 
monument  is  the  original  stone  which  was  used  as  a pillory  for  the  condemned,  and  to 
which  he  was  bound  when  publicly  scourged  upon  the  very  spot  now  marked  by  the 
splendid  column.  Many  historic  places  formerly  belonging  to  celebrated  Mineiros  are 
preserved  because  of  their  associations;  the  house  of  Claudio  Manoel  da  Costa  is  still  to 
be  seen,  with  the  very  balcony  on  which  were  gathered  the  enthusiastic  plotters  for  liberty 
on  so  many  occasions;  also  the  Casa  dos  Contos,  where  he  was  arrested.  The  Casa  dos 
Ouvidores,  where  “Dirceu”  wrote  his  impassioned  verses  to  “Marilia,”  and  the  modest  little 
house  where  Marilia  knelt  at  the  window  for  long  hours  in  the  hope  of  seeing  again  her 


MINAS  GERAES 


291 


banished  lover,  are  among  the  sights  interesting  to  all  visitors  who  know  the  story  of  the 
city’s  past;  and  the  locality  where  once  stood  the  home  of  Tiradentes,  which  was  destroyed, 
is  guarded  as  sacredly  as  the  public  square  that  was  the  scene  of  his  execution,  and  where 
his  head  was  exposed  on  a pike  as  a warning  to  all  rebellious  spirits.  This  city  was  the 
home  of  the  great  statesman  Vasconcellos  and  of  the  poet  Guimaraes,  and  is  the  birthplace 
of  many  prominent  Brazilians  of  to-day.  In  addition  to  its  buildings  of  exclusively  historic 
interest,  Ouro  Preto  has  several  churches  and  schools  of  importance.  The  School  of  Mines 
is  one  of  the  best  institutions  of  the  kind  in  existence,  besides  which  the  city  has  the  Lyceu 
Mineiro,  Escola  de  Pharmacia,  and  other  educational  establishments.  A few  miles  distant 
from  Ouro  Preto  is  situated  the  picturesque  town  of  Santa  Barbara,  which  possesses  espe- 
cial interest  as  the  birthplace  of  President  Affonso  Penna.  Caethe,  in  the  same  section,  is  a 
thriving  centre  of  industry,  particularly  noted  for  its  ceramic  factory,  the  largest  in  the  State. 

The  Sapucahy  railway  stands  next  to  the  Central  in  mileage,  having  an  extension  of 
three  hundred  miles  from  Baependy,  the  centre  of  a fertile  agricultural  district  near  the 
border  of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo,  westward  to  Sapucahy,  where  it  forms  a junction  with 
the  Mogyana  railway  in  western  Minas.  The  Mogyana  line  is  being  extended  to  enter  the 
State  of  Goyaz,  and  provide  an  outlet  for  its  rich  harvests.  On  this  route  is  the  flourishing 
little  city  of  Uberaba,  well  paved  and  lighted  with  electricity,  having  one  of  the  best  colleges 
of  the  State,  as  well  as  numerous  churches,  hospitals,  and  grammar  schools.  Other  impor- 
tant roads  are  the  Bahia  and  Minas,  the  Minas  and  Rio,  the  Guaxupe  and  the  Paraopeba 
lines.  The  principal  cities  along  the  route  of  the  Sapucahy  are  Ouro  Fino,  Pouso  Alegre, 
Affonso  Penna,  Itajuba,  Chris- 
tina, Soledade,  and  Caxambu, 
the  last-named  being  situated 
near  the  Baependy  terminus. 

Caxambu  is  famous  for  its 
mineral  springs,  which  annually 
attract  a large  number  of  health- 
seekers  not  only  from  every 
part  of  Brazil  but  from  other 
South  American  countries.  The 
springs  are  located  near  the  base 
of  the  hill  of  Caxambu,  and  the 
six  principal  founts,  which  have 
been  analyzed  and  found  to 
contain  therapeutic  properties 
of  the  highest  value,  are  named 
“ Dom  Pedro,”  “Dona Theresa,” 

“Isabel  Princeza”  (Condessa  d’Eu),  “Conde  d’Eu,”  “Dona  Leopoldina,”  and  “ Duque  de 
Saxe.”  In  their  composition,  the  Caxambu  waters  resemble  those  of  Baden,  Falkenhalde, 


THE  NATIONAL  CERAMIC  FACTORY  OF  CAETHE,  MINAS  GERAES. 


292 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


and  Spa,  though  they  have  the  advantage  of  being  within  the  reach  of  moderate  means,  and 
less  subject  to  counterfeit  imitations  than  the  productions  of  the  more  renowned  watering 
places.  The  use  of  the  Caxambu  waters  is  of  comparatively  recent  date,  though  they  are 


THE  PARK  OF  CAXAMBU,  STATE  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


supposed  to  have  been  discovered  a century  ago  by  some  farmers  of  the  village  near  by, 
and  were  later  tested  by  a German  traveller  who  pronounced  them  of  great  value.  In 
1873  a scientific  commission,  appointed  by  Counsellor  Joao  Alfredo,  then  a minister  of  the 
empire,  made  a complete  analysis  of  the  waters,  and  since  that  time  their  fame  has  steadily 
increased,  especially  as  regards  the  virtues  of  the  springs  “ Isabel  Princeza”  and  “Duque  de 
Saxe,”  the  latter  being  particularly  popular,  for  its  sulphurous,  ferruginous,  and  gaseous 
properties.  The  “Dona  Leopoldina”  spring  is  magnesian,  and  the  “Isabel  Princeza”  ferru- 
ginous and  gaseous.  Both  supply  an  abundance  of  water.  In  the  waters  of  all  the  Caxambu 
springs  there  are  properties  which  make  them  notably  efficacious  in  the  treatment  of  rheu- 
matism, nervous  troubles,  dyspepsia,  anemia,  and  similar  maladies.  The  town  of  Caxambu 
occupies  an  ideal  location  among  the  mountains,  at  an  altitude  of  three  thousand  feet  above 
sea  level,  and  during  the  summer  season  (which  in  the  southern  hemisphere  is  at  its 
height  in  January  and  February),  the  hotels  and  sanatoriums  are  crowded  with  guests. 
Pretty  little  chalets  look  out  from  bowers  of  green,  and  refreshing  streams  bubble  out  of 
hidden  recesses  in  the  rocks,  tumbling  down  the  hillsides  in  sparkling  eagerness.  A beau- 
tiful park,  in  which  are  fountains  and  lakes,  the  haunt  of  aquatic  birds  of  varied  species,  is 
a favorite  resort  in  the  evening;  and  in  the  early  morning  joyous  cavalcades  of  young  people 
may  be  seen  on  their  way  to  some  neighboring  town,  as  Baependy,  or  Cascata,  or,  perhaps, 


MINAS  GERAES 


293 


THE  MINERAL  SPRING  "ISABEL  PRINCEZA,”  AT  CAXAMBU. 


riding  off  to  lose  sight  of  mundane  things  in  quiet  mountain  glens,  where  the  imagination 
has  free  play,  to  dream  its  sweetest  dream  of  romance,  undisturbed  by  the  reality.  To  be 
restored  to  health  in  the  midst  of  such  charming  surroundings  should  be  more  pleasing  to 
the  invalid  than  to  be  placed  in 
the  midst  of  a crowd  of  suffer- 
ing people,  hemmed  in  at  every 
turn  and  oppressed  by  the  in- 
evitable sense  of  being  but  an 
atom  in  the  great  throng  that 
surges  back  and  forth  at  the 
fashionable  health  resorts  of 
Europe.  In  this  peaceful  retreat 
the  virgin  forest  is  still  near, 
and  many  songbirds  come  from 
its  shady  depths  to  flit  among 
the  trees  of  Caxambu  park, 
trilling  their  sweet  melodies. 

At  present  the  mineral  springs  of  Caxambu,  as  well  as  those  of  Lambary  and  Cambu- 
quiry,  are  being  exploited  by  the  Caxambu,  Lambary,  and  Cambuquiry  Company,  under  a 
contract  with  the  government  of  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes,  and  many  important  improve- 
ments are  being  introduced,  not  only  in  the  service  of  the  bathing  establishments  but  in  the 
beautifying  of  the  three  resorts.  Like  those  of  Caxambu,  the  springs  of  Villa  de  Aguas 
Virtuosas  de  Lambary  and  of  Cambuquiry  are  very  accessible,  being  on  the  Musambinho 
railway,  which  connects  with  the  Minas  and  Rio  line.  The  analysis  of  the  Lambary  and 

Cambuquiry  waters  was  made  at  the  same 
time  as  those  of  Caxambu,  and  during  the 
past  thirty  years  they  have  been  known  and 
used  for  their  wonderful  curative  properties. 

Even  those  who  have  never  been  to 
Caxambu  and  Lambary  are  well  acquainted 
with  the  mineral  waters  which  bear  these 
names,  the  “Lambary”  being  a particularly 
excellent  water,  preferred  to  the  most  cele- 
brated foreign  brands  by  many  connoisseurs 
of  table  waters.  “Caxambu”  and  “Lambary” 
are  to  be  found  in  all  the  South  American 
countries  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  can  be 
obtained  on  board  steamers  visiting  these  ports,  their  palatable  quality  and  therapeutic  value 
having  made  them  popular  wherever  tested.  It  is  possible  that  Minas  may  yet  be  as  famous 
for  her  mineral  waters  as  are  the  States  of  Europe  and  America  that  have  produced  the 


THE  MINERAL  SPRING  " DUQUE  DE  SAXE,”  AT  CAXAMBU. 


294 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


waters  of  Vichy  and  Saratoga.  Other  mineral  springs  of  great  value  exist  at  Villa  de  Pogos 
de  Caldas  and  at  Sao  Lourengo,  where  bathing  establishments  have  been  installed  according 
to  modern  plans,  and  hotels  have  been  erected  to  accommodate  the  season’s  guests. 

Minas  Geraes  ranks  third  among  the  Brazilian  States  in  the  amount  of  its  revenue, 
which  for  the  year  1907  reached  the  sum  of  five  million  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  gold, 
and  is  exceeded  only  by  those  of  Sao  Paulo  and  Amazonas.  With  the  favorable  conditions 
for  rapid  development  which  the  State  enjoys  under  the  present  administration,  the  future 
promises  unlimited  increase  in  every  branch  of  industry.  The  president  of  the  State  is 
elected  every  four  years  and  may  appoint  four  secretaries  to  his  cabinet.  The  State  has 
three  bishoprics,  those  of  Diamantina  (since  1863),  Marianna  (since  1896),  and  Pouso-Alegre. 
Congress  is  composed  of  two  houses,  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  numbering  forty-eight  mem- 
bers, elected  for  four  years,  and  the  Senate  twenty-four  members,  serving  for  eight  years, 
half  of  the  latter  being  elected  every  four  years.  The  progress  of  the  State  has  always  been 
of  a character  to  commend  the  judgment  and  patriotism  of  her  people.  Bold  and  fearless  as 
pioneers  when  the  country  needed  men  of  such  mettle  to  open  up  the  unknown  regions  of 
the  vast  interior  and  civilize  their  savage  inhabitants,  the  Mineiros  have  shown  equally  noble 
characteristics  in  the  more  peaceful  tasks  of  social  and  political  life.  There  has  never  been 
an  occasion  in  the  history  of  Brazil  when  the  natives  of  this  grand  old  State  have  faltered  in 
the  face  of  their  country’s  need,  or  hesitated  to  risk  all  that  life  holds  dearest  in  the  loyal, 
faithful,  unflinching,  patriotic  discharge  of  duty.  From  the  earliest  days  of  their  history 
they  have  been  devoted  adherents  to  the  principles  of  political  independence,  and  have 
shown  a proud  and  determined  resistance  to  every  effort  to  infringe  upon  their  heaven-born 
rights,  or  to  treat  their  sacred  privileges  with  contempt.  They  have  ever  been  apprecia- 
tive of  the  advantages  of  intellectual  training,  and  the  results  are  apparent  in  the  literary 
advancement  of  this  State,  to  which  Brazil  owes  many  of  its  greatest  statesmen  and  poets. 
In  the  future  greatness  of  the  republic,  Minas  Geraes  will  occupy  an  important  place, 
socially  and  industrially,  with  its  wonderful  store  of  natural  riches,  the  delights  of  its  sunny 
skies  and  fragrant  atmosphere;  the  incomparable  blessing  of  its  abundant  rivers,  ample 
forests,  and  “the  cattle  upon  a thousand  hills.” 


THE  POST  OFFICE,  BELLO  HORIZONTE. 


QUARRY  AT  MORRO  VELHO,  MINAS  GERAES. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

OF  MINAS  GERAES 

CEW  countries  can  boast  such  an  abun- 
A dance  and  variety  of  mineral  resources 
as  Minas  Geraes,  which  derives  its  name, 
signifying  “ General  Mines,”  from  the  indus- 
try that  gave  it  existence,  and  which  owes 
to  this  powerful  attraction  the  preponderance 
of  its  population  among  the  States  of  Brazil. 
The  glitter  of  gold  and  the  flash  of  gems 
have  possessed  a singular  fascination  for 
mankind  from  time  immemorial,  and  the 
intimate  relation  which  these  treasures  bear 
to  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  the  human  family 
furnishes  the  subject  of  many  enchanting 
myths,  traditions,  and  romances.  Human  nature  has  not  greatly  changed  throughout  the 
ages  in  its  predilections,  the  same  instinct  that  was  illustrated  in  the  sacred  guarding  of 
the  treasure  in  the  garden  of  the  Hesperides  still  existing  in  the  motive  of  the  twentieth- 
century  miser;  the  “golden  apple”  is  as  invaluable  an  aid  in  securing  the  good  offices  of 
Venus  nowadays  as  it  was  when  Paris  won  Helen  of  Troy;  the  irresistible  magnetism 
of  costly  jewels  is  as  potent  with  the  modern  belle  as  it  was  with  the  distinguished  guest  of 
King  Solomon;  and,  in  various  guises,  the  popular  idol  of  society  is,  as  it  has  always  been, 
no  other  than  the  much-worshipped  golden  calf  of  Israel’s  camp.  This  universal  attraction 
toward  the  precious  product  of  the  mines  has  given  to  the  gold  and  the  diamond  fields  a 
special  charm;  and  every  epidemic  of  the  “fever”  which  invariably  follows  gold  discovery 
has  had  the  inevitable  accompaniment  of  prodigal  waste  and  barbaric  display.  Of  all  the 
fabulous  tales  related  of  silver  kings  and  bonanza  princes,  the  palm  for  extravagance  belongs 
to  the  history  of  early  mining  days  in  Brazil,  when  horses  were  shod  with  gold;  when 

lawyers  supported  their  pleadings  before  the  judge  with  gifts  of  what  appeared  at  first  sight 

297 


298 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


to  be  the  choicest  oranges  and  bananas,  but  proved  to  be  solid  gold  imitations  of  these 
fruits;  when  guests  were  entertained  at  dinner  by  the  discovery  of  gold  pebbles  in  their 


DIAMANTINA,  THE  CENTRE  OF  THE  DIAMOND  MINING  INDUSTRY  IN  MINAS  GERAES. 


soup  instead  of  grains  of  corn;  when  a nugget  was  the  most  convenient  medium  of 
exchange  in  the  money  market. 

Tradition  has  woven  a very  interesting  story  about  the  first  discovery  of  the  precious 
metal  in  Brazil,  with  a touch  of  the  supernatural  that  entirely  rescues  this  important  event 
from  the  unattractive  realm  of  the  commonplace.  It  is,  that,  as  early  as  the  sixteenth 
century,  a sertanejo,  or  backwoodsman,  of  Sao  Paulo,  having  heard  that  gold  and  precious 
stones  were  to  be  found  in  the  remote  interior,  organized  a band  of  followers  and  proceeded 
as  far  as  the  headwaters  of  the  Parana  River,  where  he  encountered  several  Indians  decked 
out  in  gorgeous  array  and  wearing  costly  gold  ornaments.  He  demanded  of  them  to  be 
taken  to  the  place  where  the  gold  had  been  found ; and  upon  their  refusal  to  give  up  the 
secret,  the  sertanejo,  with  a great  display  of  anger,  took  from  his  pouch  a flask  of  rum, 
poured  out  a quantity,  and  set  fire  to  it,  exclaiming,  in  a voice  of  thunder:  “Seel  Thus  I 
will  burn  up  all  your  rivers,  if  you  do  not  show  me  where  your  gold  is  to  be  found!”  The 
Indians  were  panic-stricken  at  this  sight,  and  cried  out,  in  superstitious  terror:  “ Alihan - 
guera!  Anhangnera!"  meaning  “wizard.”  Their  leader  was  brought  to  terms  without 
further  difficulty,  a guide  was  secured,  and  the  party  proceeded  at  once  to  the  place,  where 
they  obtained  a large  amount  of  the  precious  metal. 

From  authentic  sources  it  is  learned  that  gold  was  discovered  in  the  seventeenth  century 
in  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes.  About  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  gold  output 


THE  MINES  OF  MINAS  GERAES 


299 


was  at  its  height,  the  revenue  from  this  product  being  enormous.  It  is  said  that,  in  a 
certain  district,  five  thousand  pounds’  weight  was  panned  from  placers  within  the  area  of 
a square  mile  in  one  year,  and  from  another  region  a hundred  pounds’  weight  was  collected 
in  one  night.  In  the  year  1792,  the  gold  registered  in  Rio  de  Janeiro  was  three  hundred 
and  sixty  thousand  pounds  in  weight,  and,  from  recent  researches  among  old  archives,  an 
English  authority  has  put  the  total  amount  of  the  gold  output  of  Minas  Geraes  at  the 
enormous  value  of  two  hundred  million  pounds  sterling. 

Although  gold  is  found  in  nearly  every  State  of  Brazil,  the  most  important  mines  are 
those  of  Minas  Geraes,  which,  even  under  the  primitive  processes  of  mining  that  pre- 
vailed a century  ago,  never  ceased  to  be  profitable.  The  industry  did  not  yield  such 
enormous  returns  during  the  nineteenth  century  as  during  the  earlier  period  of  its  exploita- 
tion ; but  that  was  not  due  to  the  exhaustion  of  the  mines,  but  to  the  fact  that  they  were 
worked  only  superficially  by  the  wasteful  methods  followed  at  that  time,  and  when  a more 
scientific  system  became  necessary  there  was  general  discouragement,  which  was  increased 
by  the  heavy  taxation  imposed,  the  uncertainty  about  property  rights,  and  the  confusion  of 
the  mining  laws.  Since  these  evils  have, 
happily,  been  remedied,  a revival  of  gold 
mining  has  taken  place,  and  the  outlook  is 
favorable  for  increased  prosperity. 

The  oldest  gold  mine  in  actual  opera- 
tion, not  only  in  Brazil  but  in  the  world,  is 
that  of  Morro  Velho,  situated  near  the  main 
line  of  the  Central  railway,  about  midway 
between  Ouro  Preto,  the  former  capital  of 
Minas  Geraes,  and  Bello  Horizonte,  its  pres- 
ent capital.  Morro  Velho  is  the  property  of 
the  Sao  Joao  del  Rey  Gold  Mining  Company, 
an  English  corporation,  which  began  the 
exploitation  of  the  mine  in  1834,  though  it 
had  been  worked  in  a primitive  way  ever 
since  colonial  times.  Modern  machinery  is 
now  used  in  the  mine  and  many  costly 
improvements  have  recently  been  intro- 
duced. The  ore  yields  an  ounce  to  the  ton 
and  the  annual  production  averages  eighty 
thousand  ounces.  The  Passagem  mine,  sit- 
uated in  the  vicinity  of  the  historic  old  town 
of  Marianna,  a few  leagues  to  the  southeast  of 
Ouro  Preto,  ranks  next  to  Morro  Velho  in  importance,  having  an  annual  output  of  twenty- 
three  thousand  ounces  of  gold;  this  mine  and  the  Sao  Bento  mine  of  Santa  Barbara,  the 


& 


A CHARITY  HOSPITAL  OF  DIAMANTINA,  COLONIAL  PERIOD. 


300 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


third  in  production  in  the  State,  are  also  owned  by  English  companies.  The  Santa  Quiteria 
mine  near  Santa  Barbara  and  the  Descoberto,  Juca  Vieira,  Cuyaba,  and  Vira  Copos  mines  of 


A STREET  SCENE  IN  DIAMANTINA. 


Caethe  are  prosperous  centres  of  the  gold  mining  industry.  In  the  northern  part  of  the 
State  rich  gold  fields  have  been  discovered  at  Minas  Novas,  Itabira,  Serro,  Conceigao,  and 
in  other  localities.  Minas  Novas  is  picturesquely  situated  among  the  mountains  of  the 
Serra  do  Chipre  in  the  valley  of  the  Arassuahy  River,  a tributary  of  the  gold  and  diamond- 
bearing Jequitinhonha,  which,  with  the  Rio  Doce,  drains  the  most  valuable  mining  region 
of  the  State. 

The  diamond  mines  of  the  Jequitinhonha  valley  have  been  famous  for  nearly  two 
centuries,  and  the  story  of  their  discovery  is  related  in  various  ways.  According  to  some 
authorities,  the  diamonds  were  found  by  the  gold  miners,  who  at  first  regarded  them  as  mere 
curiosities,  and  used  them  as  counters  in  gambling,  until  a worthy  friar,  happening  to  observe 
this  base  use  of  Fortune’s  favorite  bauble,  informed  the  governor  of  the  province,  who  imme- 
diately notified  the  king.  The  discovery  was  first  officially  reported  in  Lisbon  in  1729,  and  the 
first  gems  were  sent  to  Rome  by  Joao  V.  as  a present  to  the  pope.  Several  of  the  most 
celebrated  diamonds  of  the  world  have  since  been  found  in  Brazilian  mines.  The  “Braganza,” 
the  most  highly  prized  of  the  crown  jewels  of  Portugal,  was  taken  from  Caethe,  about  the 
middle  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Connoisseurs  differ  as  to  its  value,  and  its  weight  has 
been  variously  stated,  but  it  is  world-renowned  as  a rare  and  beautiful  gem.  The  “Regent,” 
named  in  honor  of  Dorn  Joao  VI.,  and  worn  by  him  on  all  great  occasions,  was  found  in  1791, 


THE  MINES  OF  MINNS  GERAES 


301 


under  circumstances  of  peculiar  interest.  Three  men,  convicted  of  a capital  offence,  had 
been  condemned  to  spend  the  remainder  of  their  days  in  the  far  west  of  Minas,  and  were 
forbidden,  under  penalty  of  death,  to  enter  a city.  After  wandering  about  for  several  years, 
searching  for  treasure  in  the  apparently  vain  hope  of  some  day  being  able  to  purchase  their 
pardon,  they  suddenly  came  upon  this  diamond,  weighing  nearly  an  ounce.  Recognizing 
its  great  value,  and  eager  to  test  its  power  as  a means  of  securing  their  pardon,  they  told 
their  secret  to  a priest,  begging  him  to  accompany  them  to  the  city  and  to  intercede  for 
them  with  the  governor,  to  whom  they  submitted  the  precious  stone  they  had  found.  As  a 
result  they  were  granted  their  pardon  and  permitted  to  return  to  their  homes,  though  they 
received  no  further  reward.  The  “Estrella  do  Sul,”  also  a product  of  Minas  Geraes,  and  now 
the  valued  possession  of  an  Oriental  potentate,  the  Rajah  of  Baroda,  has  a history  similar  to 
that  of  the  “ Regent.”  It  was  picked  up  at  Bagagem,  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  by  a poor 
negro  slave,  who  gave  it  to  her  master  as  the  price  of  her  freedom.  It  afterward  proved  to 


A CONDUIT  FOR  DIAMOND  MINING  PURPOSES. 


be  worth  fifteen  million  dollars,  and  still  ranks  among  the  most  costly  gems  in  existence. 
Aside  from  its  intrinsic  worth,  it  possesses  a unique  value  as  representing  the  highest  price 


302 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


WASHING  DIAMONDS. 


ever  paid  for  the  blessed  boon  of  human  liberty.  In  the  rough  state,  this  precious  stone 
weighed  two  hundred  and  fifty  carats,  and,  when  cut,  about  half  as  heavy.  It  was 
discovered  in  the  year  1854. 

The  history  of  diamond  mining  in  Brazil  and  the  modern  processes  of  the  industry 
present  many  interesting  features.  The  great  centre  of  the  diamond  district  is  a town  of 
ten  thousand  inhabitants,  situated  in  the  State  of  Minas,  about  six  hundred  miles  from  Rio 
de  Janeiro,  and  named,  from  its  chief  product,  Diamantina.  It  was  originally  a gold  mining 
camp,  until  the  discovery  of  diamonds  early  in  the  eighteenth  century  transformed  it  in 
appearance  and  character.  For  a century  after  their  discovery,  diamonds  were  mined 
in  Brazil  as  a monopoly  of  the  crown,  all  diamond  mines  being  declared  State  property  by 
the  king  of  Portugal;  and  it  was  only  after  the  abdication  of  the  first  emperor  of  Brazil 
that  private  diamond  mining  was  legalized  by  the  national  government,  in  the  year  1832. 
The  methods  of  mining  pursued  by  the  government  officials  in  charge  of  this  valuable 
property  of  the  State  were  extremely  careless  and  shortsighted,  the  main  object,  apparently, 
being  to  get  with  the  least  delay  the  greatest  amount  of  treasure  possible.  As  a result,  there 
are  large  deposits  of  diamond-bearing  gravel  which  can  never  be  mined  because  buried 
under  the  detritus  of  other  workings. 

Diamond-bearing  gravel  is  usually  found  in  the  interstices  of  the  rocks  and  boulders 
that  block  the  current  of  the  mountain  streams  in  their  first  steep  descent  down  the  narrow 


THE  MINES  OE  MINAS  GERAES 


3°3 

ravines  near  the  summit  of  the  serra,  before  they  reach  the  broader  bed  of  the  river  below. 
An  experienced  miner  easily  recognizes  it  by  the  presence  of  certain  other  minerals  which 
are  found  only  where  the  diamond  is  indicated. 

There  are  four  different  methods  of  diamond  mining  practised  in  the  Diamantina  district, 
according  to  the  locality  in  which  the  precious  stones  are  found.  The  first  method  consists 
of  a process  of  concentration,  by  which  the  diamond-bearing  gravel  that  has  been  washed 
down  from  the  high  serra  into  the  stream  -and  separated  from  the  other  detritus  by  its 
greater  weight  (the  specific  gravity  of  the  diamond  being  about  3.6,  much  greater  than  that 
of  ordinary  rock),  is  collected  and  worked  up  through  an  operation  similar  to  the  old- 
fashioned  gold-panning.  The  lighter  stones  are  separated  from  the  diamond-bearing  rock  by 
repeated  washing  and  shaking  about  in  the  bated  (a  curious  wooden  dish  about  two  feet 
in  diameter  and  having  a sort  of  hollow  at  the  bottom),  after  which  it  is  an  easy  task  for  the 
miner  to  pick  out  the  remaining  diamonds,  their  lustre  making  them  easily  recognizable.  The 
second  method,  practised  in  the  beds  of  larger  streams,  is  more  expensive  and  uncertain 
than  the  first,  though,  when  successful,  it  sometimes  brings  a richer  reward  for  the  labor 
expended.  By  this  method,  the  miner  first  chooses  a spot  where  the  bed  of  the  river  is 
supposed  to  contain  diamonds,  and  not  to  have  been  worked  before.  A dam  is  built  a 
short  distance  above  this  place  with  a sluice  around  it,  through  which  the  waters  are  turned, 
leaving  dry  the  former  bed  of  the  river.  Then  the  work  of  mining  is  begun,  the  first  task 
being  to  clear  away  the  sand  that  covers  the  bed  rock,  sometimes  to  a depth  of  thirty  or 


SCENE  NEAR  MORRO  VELHO,  IN  THE  GOLD  MINING  DISTRICT  OF  MINAS  GERAES. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


3°4 


forty  feet.  This  part  of  the  work  has  to  be 
done  during  the  dry  season,  as  the  first 
heavy  rains  of  September  wash  away  the 
dam  and  fill  up  the  excavation.  When 
bed  rock  is  finally  reached,  the  diamond- 
bearing gravel  is  carried  out  and  placed  in 
piles  to  be  washed  during  the  wet  season, 
labor  in  the  river  bed  being  then  impossi- 
ble. If  the  ground  prove  to  be  virgin,  the 
miner  may  reap  a precious  harvest  of  dia- 
monds, but  if,  as  sometimes  happens,  it 
turns  out  to  have  been  washed  before,  all 
his  labor  is  lost.  The  third  system  of  dia- 
mond mining  is  employed  in  treating  de- 
posits of  gravel  found  on  the  lower  slopes 
and  along  the  sides  of  valleys.  Some  of 
these  deposits,  or  grupiaras,  as  they  are 
called,  have  proved  very  rich,  especially  in 
the  Itacolomy  district  and  other  valleys  of 
eastern  Minas  Geraes.  A grupiara  of  “ Lava- 
pes,”  covering  less  than  one  thousand  square 
feet,  yielded  one  hundred  thousand  carats 
in  one  season.  The  fourth  process  is  that 
used  in  taking  out  diamonds  from  beds  of 
rock  high  up  in  the  serra,  popularly  called 
chapada  mining.  It  consists  of  first  collect- 
ing rainwater  in  pools  on  the  top  of  the 
plateau  and  then  conducting  a stream  to 
the  site  of  the  deposit,  where  great  gullies  are 
cut  so  that  the  water  may  be  given  the  im- 
petus necessary  to  loosen  and  carry  along 
the  diamond-bearing  gravel,  which  is  finally 
treated  in  the  same  way  as  that  found  in 
the  river  beds. 

picturesque  cascade  in  the  vicinity  of  Within  recent  years  modern  scientific 

BELLO  HORIZONTE.  J 

methods  have  been  applied  to  diamond 
mining  in  Brazil  with  eminently  satisfactory  results.  The  Companhia  da  Boa  Vista,  com- 
posed of  Brazilian,  French,  and  Belgian  capitalists,  was  the  first  to  instal  expensive  modern 
appliances,  for  the  equipment  of  one  of  the  most  important  diamond  mining  establishments 
in  the  world.  The  works  are  located  a few  miles  from  Diamantina  in  the  Jequitinhonha 


THE  MINES  OE  MINAS  GERAES 


valley.  The  Agua  Suja  Mining  Company,  Limited,  has  also  introduced  modern  methods  in 
the  development  of  its  mines,  which  are  situated  near  Bagagem,  or,  as  the  town  is  now 
called  in  honor  of  the  great  dia- 
mond discovery  made  there  half 
a century  ago,  Estrella  do  Sul. 

Other  companies  have  followed 
these,  and  the  exploration  of 
the  diamond  region  is  carried 
on  more  systematically  and 
successfully  than  ever  before. 

The  Brazilian  Diamond  and 
Exploration  Company,  Limited, 
an  English  enterprise,  the  Bra- 
zilian Diamond,  Gold,  and  De- 
veloping Company,  organized 
by  North  American  capitalists, 
and  the  Victor  Nothman  Com-  arassuahy,  mining  district  for  amethysts,  aquamarines,  etc. 

pany,  are  among  the  principal 

corporations  engaged  in  diamond  mining  in  the  State.  The  output  of  diamonds  is  difficult 
to  calculate,  on  account  of  the  facility  with  which  the  precious  stones  are  smuggled  out  of 
the  country  to  avoid  the  payment  of  duties;  the  annual  export,  on  which  duties  are  paid, 
averages  about  ten  thousand  carats. 

Formerly  all  Brazilian  diamonds  were  exported  uncut,  but  within  the  past  few  years 
lapidaries  have  established  themselves  in  the  chief  diamond  producing  centres.  In  Diaman- 
tina  there  are  nineteen  lapidaries,  employing  one  hundred  and  fifty  workmen  and  cutting 
four  hundred  and  sixty  carats  of  diamonds  per  month.  In  Serro  and  Jequitahy,  and  at 
Terra  Branca,  where  the  black  diamond  is  found,  local  lapidaries  cut  most  of  the  stones. 
Carbonates,  stones  used  for  diamond  drills,  are  found  in  the  diamond  mining  region. 
Closely  allied  to  the  diamond  industry  is  the  mining  for  other  precious  stones,  such  as 
amethysts,  tourmalines  (known  as  “Brazilian  emeralds”),  topazes,  aquamarines,  garnets, 
chrysolites,  etc.,  which  the  miners  designate  pedras  coradas , “colored  stones.”  The 
development  of  this  branch  of  mining  is  quite  recent,  dating  only  from  about  five  years  ago, 
when  some  German  prospectors  appeared  in  the  town  of  Arassuahy,  and  offered  to  pay 
seven  hundred  dollars  per  kilogram  for  pedras  coradas  of  a certain  size  and  color.  The 
miners  were  delighted  to  have  an  opportunity  to  make  money  so  easily  out  of  stones  that 
had  hitherto  been  looked  upon  as  of  no  value,  and  the  collection  of  these  gems  became  a 
regular  business.  In  Arassuahy,  Peqanha,  Minas  Novas,  Salinas,  Grao  Mogol,  Tremedal,  and 
throughout  the  entire  mining  region,  are  found  beautiful  specimens  of  these  stones,  which 
are  constantly  increasing  in  value  in  the  foreign  market.  Black  tourmalines  are  quite 
common  in  some  sections,  and  the  green,  blue,  and  red  varieties  are  found  in  abundance  in 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


306 

Arassuahy,  Peganha,  and  Salinas.  The  chrysolites  of  Arassuahy  are  very  beautiful  stones 
and  find  a ready  market.  Topazes  of  the  ordinary  yellow  hue,  as  well  as  the  rarer  rose- 
tinted  specimen,  are  chiefly  found  in  the  district  of  Ouro  Preto,  which  is  so  rich  in  various 
kinds  of  mineral  production. 

Ouro  Preto  is  the  centre  of  the  manganese  industry  in  Brazil.  Though  rich  deposits 
exist  in  other  States  they  have  not  yet  been  developed  to  the  same  extent  as  in 
Minas  Geraes,  which  exports  the  richest  quality  of  manganese  in  the  world,  the  ore  yielding 
from  fifty  to  fifty-five  per  cent  of  metallic  manganese.  The  first  shipment  of  manganese  from 
Brazil  was  made  only  twelve  years  ago,  when  six  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-five 
tons  were  exported  from  Minas  Geraes.  The  output  has  increased  since  that  time  to 
two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  tons  annually.  This  valuable  product  exists  in  abundance 
in  the  district  lying  between  Ouro  Preto  and  Lafayette,  on  the  Central  railway,  its  locality 
being  easily  distinguished  by  the  leaden  color  and  glistening  appearance  of  the  soil.  The 
stations  of  Miguel  Burnier  and  Lafayette,  on  the  Central  railway,  are  the  chief  shipping  points 
for  the  industry,  the  cargo  being  carried  by  this  line  down  to  the  seaport  of  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
for  final  export.  The  manganese  deposits  of  the  Burnier  district  are  found  in  the  metamor- 
phic  rocks,  and  are  associated  with  iron  ores  and  limestones;  while  the  manganese  of  the 
Queluz  mines,  in  the  Lafayette  region,  appears  associated  with  eruptive  rocks  containing 
spersatine,  rhodonite,  or  manganese  silicates,  and  is  characterized  by  the  complete  absence 
of  iron  ore  or  limestones.  The  former  are  worked  by  underground  operations  while 
the  latter  is  mined  on  the  surface.  The  Usina  Wigg  is  the  principal  establishment  of  the 


MINAS  NOVAS.  IN  THE  HEART  OF  A RICH  MINING  DISTRICT,  MINAS  GERAES. 


Burnier  district  and  the  Morro  da  Mina  is  the  most  important  manganese  property  of 
Lafayette,  and  both  are  supported  by  Brazilian  capital.  The  value  of  the  manganese 
exported  annually  from  Minas  Geraes  amounts  to  about  two  million  dollars  gold. 


THE  MINES  OF  MINAS  GERAES 


3°7 

Iron  is  found  in  every  part  of  Minas  Geraes,  and  is  abundant  in  the  region  of  the  moun- 
tains that  surround  Bello  Horizonte,  in  Morro  Velho,  Itabira,  and  Morro  do  Pilar,  which  is  a 
mountain  of  iron,  and  throughout  the  Serra  do  Espinago  from  Barbacena  to  Grao  Mogol.  For 


MINAS  NOVAS,  LOOKING  TOWARD  THE  CHAPEL  DE  GRA(JA,  MINAS  GERAES. 


lack  of  mineral  fuel,  the  iron  industry  has  not  been  exploited,  but  when  electricity  can  be  em- 
ployed in  the  manufacture  of  this  metal,  no  country  will  offer  better  advantages  for  its  devel- 
opment, not  only  because  of  the  abundance  and  good  quality  of  the  ores,  but  because  the 
State  has  unlimited  sources  of  water  power  in  its  countless  mountain  streams  and  cascades. 

A visit  to  the  School  of  Mines  of  Ouro  Preto  affords  the  best  opportunity  for  judging  of  the 
wonderful  variety  of  the  minerals  which  are  found  in  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes.  This  school, 
which  ranks  among  the  best  in  the  world,  was  organized  by  a decree  of  President  Floriano 
Peixoto,  September  18, 1903.  It  is  devoted  to  the  free  instruction  of  students  who,  having  the 
necessary  general  education,  purpose  to  pursue  the  career  of  mining  and  mining  engineering. 
The  school  is  established  in  the  old  colonial  governors’  palace  built  early  in  the  eighteenth 
century.  The  library  and  museum  contain  rare  collections,  some  specimens  of  the  amethyst, 
topaz,  and  diamond  deposits  in  the  State  being  especially  interesting  and  valuable.  With  the 
new  discoveries  that  are  constantly  being  made  the  possessions  of  the  school  are  rapidly 
increasing,  and  its  cabinets  contain  specimens  of  every  product  of  the  mineral  kingdom. 
The  director  of  the  school  is  Dr.  Joaquim  Candido  da  Costa  Sena,  a scholar  of  high  reputa- 
tion, who  is  an  accepted  authority  on  mining  matters  of  Brazil.  Dr.  Alcides  Medrado,  the 
editor  of  the  Brazilian  Engineering  and  Mining  Review,  has  charge  of  the  library  of  the  school, 
to  which  he  has  contributed  a number  of  valuable  works  on  mineralogy. 

The  existence  of  platinum  has  been  discovered  recently  in  Minas  Geraes,  in  the  Serro 
district,  in  alluvial  deposits  at  Itabira  do  Campo,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Ouro  Preto,  and  in 


308 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


the  river  Abaete,  a famous  diamond-bearing  stream  of  western  Minas.  The  varieties  of 
granite  and  marble  of  all  colors  and  grains  which  are  found  in  Minas  Geraes,  are  remark- 
ably numerous.  Agates,  onyx,  and  rock  crystal  of  the  first  water  are  found  in  the  greatest 
abundance  and  are  largely  used  in  architecture  in  the  various  cities  of  the  State.  Rich 
deposits  of  mica,  graphite,  cinnabar  and  asbestos  await  development.  In  the  mining  towns 
of  Peganha,  Diamantina,  Minas  Novas,  Arassuahy,  Salinas,  and  elsewhere,  a newly  aroused 
spirit  of  enterprise  is  manifested  under  the  encouragement  given  by  the  liberal  policy  of  the 
present  government. 

A further  decided  impetus  has  been  given  to  the  mining  industry  of  Brazil  by  the  recent 
Federal  legislation  favoring  its  development.  The  government  has  removed  the  heavy 
import  duties  on  machinery,  implements,  and  other  accessories  used  in  mining  works, 
placing,  instead,  a tax  of  five  per  cent  ad  valorem  on  these  imports.  In  addition,  the  State 
of  Minas  Geraes  has  reduced  the  export  tax  on  gold  and  promulgated  a law  to  define  more 
clearly  the  regulations  affecting  prospecting  and  mining  concessions  in  connection  with  land 
under  State  control.  In  regard  to  the  acquirement  of  mining  property,  the  law  is  liberal, 
and  restrictions  are  few  and  reasonable.  The  owner  of  land  has  the  first  right  to  the 
mineral,  but  if  he  fails  to  exercise  his  privilege  others  may  explore  after  giving  notice.  The 
discoverer  of  the  mineral  is  entitled  to  four  lots  of  fifty  metres  square,  with  ground  neces- 
sary for  working.  Claims  are  transferable,  but  no  single  person  or  company  may  own 
more  than  a hundred  contiguous  lots.  But,  in  order  to  accomplish  the  best  results  in 
the  development  of  Brazilian  mines,  the  investment  of  much  capital  is  necessary,  and  the 
establishment  of  enterprises  working  upon  a scientific  and  systematic  basis.  Under  such 
conditions,  it  is  not  difficult  to  picture  a future  rivalling  in  prosperity  the  mineral  regions  of 
Australia  and  Kimberley. 


COLLEGE  OF  OUR  LADY  OF  SORROWS,  DIAMANTINA. 


THE  FALLS  OF  IGUASSU,  VIEWED  FROM  THE  BRAZILIAN  SIDE  OF  THE  RIVER  PARANA. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

PARANA 

CWRIGINALLY  forming  a part  of  the  capi- 
tania  of  Sao  Paulo,  the  present  State 
of  Parana  was  peopled  by  sturdy  pioneers  of 
the  same  character  as  those  who  inhabited 
its  sister  provinces,  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas 
Geraes.  But,  being  more  remote  from  the 
centre  of  activity  in  the  early  days,  its  gen- 
eral development  received  little  attention 
until  about  half  a century  ago,  when  it  be- 
came an  independent  province,  in  the  year 
1853,  under  the  administration  of  the  illus- 
trious statesman,  Conselheiro  Zacarias  de 
Vasconcellos,  afterward  a senator  of  the 
empire.  From  that  date  the  progress  of 
the  territory  began  to  march  more  rapidly; 
steamers  visited  its  ports,  its  rivers  were 
explored,  telegraph  lines  were  built;  the  educational  interests  of  the  State  received  special 
attention,  the  press  became  an  important  social  and  political  factor,  public  charities  were  insti- 
tuted, and  social  and  political  clubs  were  organized,  the  chief  of  which,  the  Club  Coritibano, 
still  wields  an  important  influence  in  the  politics  of  the  State.  With  the  general  develop- 
ment came  a realization  of  greater  possibilities  to  be  accomplished  through  the  more 
complete  opening  up  of  the  country,  and  new  roads  began  to  be  built  to  the  vast  unsettled 
plains  of  the  interior,  colonization  was  encouraged,  and  the  nucleus  of  the  present  thriving 
rural  population  was  established. 

Possessing  an  area  nearly  equal  to  that  of  Great  Britain,  its  territory  covering  eighty-six 
thousand  square  miles,  the  State  of  Parana  has  two  distinct  zones.  The  littoral,  consisting 
of  a strip  of  low  land  along  the  coast,  is  semi-tropical  and  produces  all  the  fruits  and 

3 1 1 


THE  GYMNASIUM,  CURYTIBA. 


312 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


vegetables  of  a climate  perennially  warm;  the  plateaus,  extending  from  the  Coast  Range,  or 
Serra  do  Alar,  to  the  river  Parana  on  the  western  boundary,  have  the  climate  and  soil  of  the 


RUA  QUINZE  DE  NOVEMBRO,  CURYTIBA. 


temperate  zone  and  yield  the  products  usually  harvested  in  such  latitudes.  But  though  the 
Serra  do  Mar  is  the  dividing  line  between  the  low  hot  region  of  the  coast  and  the  tablelands 
of  the  interior,  it  constitutes  only  one  of  many  mountain  chains  which  separate  the  State 
into  different  sections,  varying  in  altitude  from  five  hundred  to  five  thousand  feet.  The 
plateau  which  stretches  westward  from  the  Serra  do  Mar  to  the  Serrinha,  or  “ little  Serra,” 
an  extension  of  the  Paranapiacaba  range  from  Sao  Paulo,  is  the  most  thickly  populated 
section  of  the  interior,  and  is  in  a flourishing  state  of  cultivation ; the  State  capital,  Curytiba, 
and  the  farming  communities  of  Campo  Largo  and  Lapa  are  situated  on  this  tableland. 
From  the  Serrinha  westward  to  the  Serra  da  Esperanga,  and  stretching  far  northward,  lies  a 
vast  territory  of  forest  and  plain  known  as  the  “Campo  Geraes,”  which  is  rich  in  agricul- 
tural and  mineral  resources  and  offers  a good  prospect  to  the  investor  and  the  colonist. 
Ponta  Grossa,  Palmeira,  and  Castro  are  situated  in  the  southern  part  of  this  region,  which 
promises  to  be  the  great  distributing  point  for  the  whole  interior  of  the  State,  when  the 
system  of  railways  now  under  construction  is  completed.  Beyond  the  Serra  da  Esperanga 
extends  the  plateau  of  Guarapava,  famous  for  its  cattle  ranges,  while  along  the  western 
border  of  the  State  are  innumerable  beautiful  valleys,  watered  by  the  tributaries  of  the 


PARANA 


3*3 

Parana,  the  Ivahy,  or  Rio  dos  Patos,  the  Piquiry,  Iguassu,  and  others,  and  awaiting  only  the 
advent  of  an  enterprising  immigration  to  yield  vast  fortunes  in  the  products  of  their  forests 
of  hardwood,  medicinal  plants,  and  abundant  fruits.  With  the  Parana  River  marking  its 
western,  the  Paranapanema  its  northern,  and  the  Iguassu  its  southern  boundary  line,  the 
entire  State  is  watered  by  the  great  river  and  its  tributaries.  The  Iguassu  marks  the  limit 
between  Parana  and  Santa  Catharina  at  the  south,  pending  the  settlement  of  a boundary 
question.  There  are  no  rivers  of  importance  flowing  into  the  Atlantic,  which  forms  the 
eastern  boundary,  along  with  part  of  the  State  of  Sao  Paulo.  The  scenery  along  the  Parana 
and  its  tributaries  is  magnificent,  some  of  the  waterfalls,  such  as  the  Salto  das  Sete  Quedas, 
Salto  do  Osorio,  and  Salto  do  Rio  dos  Patos,  which  mark  the  descent  of  the  Parana,  the 
Iguassu,  and  the  Ivahy,  respectively,  being  unsurpassed  in  picturesque  grandeur;  the  channel 
of  the  Itarare,  a branch  of  the  Paranapanema,  is  subterranean  at  several  intervals  along  its 
course.  All  the  rivers  are  navigable  for  a considerable  distance,  facilitating  transportation  in 
the  districts  which  are  not  traversed  by  railway  lines. 

The  section  of  the  State  which  lies  along  the  seashore  is,  generally,  flat  and  marshy, 
and  the  climate  less  agreeable  than  in  the  interior,  the  temperature  varying  from  ten  degrees 


THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  CURYTIBA. 


to  thirty-five  degrees  centigrade;  on  the  plateaus  and  in  the  mountainous  regions  of  the 
State  the  climate  is  salubrious,  and  the  temperature  ranges  from  four  degrees  to  thirty 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


degrees  centigrade,  with  a mean 
annual  register  of  seventeen 
degrees.  The  varying  altitude 
of  the  tablelands  affords  a 
variety  of  conditions  of  soil 
and  climate  suitable  to  the  de- 
velopment of  all  kinds  of  agri- 
cultural crops.  From  the  prolific 
rice  fields  of  the  coast  country 
to  the  vast  cattle  plains  of  the 
interior,  the  industries  of  the 
State  include  the  cultivation  of 
most  of  the  products  of  tropical 
and  temperate  zones. 

It  is  of  paramount  impor- 
tance that  this  wonderful  State, 
which  possesses  the  area  and  the  resources  sufficient  for  the  maintenance  of  a population 
of  many  millions,  should  attract  to  its  shores  an  increasing  tide  of  immigration,  in  order 
that  a greater  number  of  agricultural  communities  may  be  established  throughout  its 
vast  territory  to  cultivate  the  fertile  soil  and  harvest  the  abundant  wealth  of  its  pastures 
and  forests.  The  degree  of  progress  and  prosperity  of  the  entire  State  depends  only  on 
the  increase  of  population,  which  at  present  does  not  exceed  five  hundred  thousand, 
chiefly  settled  in  the  eastern  section.  Through  the  enterprise  of  the  State  government, 
a number  of  foreign  colonies  were  established  some  years  ago  on  the  plateau,  in  the 
valley  of  the  Iguassu,  and  near  the  coast.  They  have  prospered  greatly  and  their 
scattered  settlements  have  grown  into  flourishing  towns.  They  are  principally  populated 
by  Poles,  Italians,  and  Germans.  The  Poles  are  the  most  numerous,  about  fifty  thou- 
sand thrifty  farmers  of  this  nationality  having  established  themselves  in  the  communi- 
ties of  Sao  Matheus  and  Rio  Claro,  in  the  Iguassu  valley;  at  Thomaz  Coelho,  Lamenha  Lins, 
and  Abranches,  near  Curytiba;  at  Lucena  and  Antonio  Olintho,  near  the  Rio  Negro,  and  at 
Prudentopolis  on  the  Guarapuava  road.  The  last-named  is  a town  of  considerable  impor- 
tance, the  centre  of  a rich  agricultural  community.  The  Italian  colonies  represent  a popula- 
tion of  thirty  thousand  or  more,  the  principal  settlement  being  at  Colombo,  about  ten  miles 
from  Curytiba.  There  are  not  more  than  fifteen  thousand  Germans  in  the  State,  of  whom 
the  greater  number  are  engaged  in  mercantile  business.  The  English  colony,  too,  is  small, 
though  it  has  grown  considerably  since  the  inauguration  of  improved  railway  facilities  and 
the  consequently  promising  outlook  for  great  industrial  and  commercial  growth. 

In  travelling  through  the  State  one  is  constantly  impressed  by  the  opportunities  offered 
to  enterprising  and  active  farmers  in  the  natural  resources,  fruitful  soil,  and  splendid  climate 
of  this  favored  region.  From  Paranagua,  the  seaport  through  which  the  main  traffic  of 


PARANA 


3*5 


Parana  is  conducted,  and  at 
which  passengers  are  landed 
upon  their  arrival  in  the  State, 
a railway  train  leaves  daily  for 
the  interior.  The  journey  takes 
one  across  a stretch  of  country 
wonderfully  varied  in  climate 
and  picturesque  charm,  and 
immensely  rich  in  productive- 
ness. Paranagua  itself  is  a 
flourishing  town,  with  a popu- 
lation of  about  ten  thousand, 
situated  on  one  of  the  largest 
harbors  of  the  Brazilian  coast.  The  streets  of  the  town  are  well-paved  and  clean ; its  public 
buildings  are  of  solid  structure  and  many  of  them  are  modern  edifices;  there  are  six  pranas, 
or  parks,  of  which  the  principal  one,  Praga  Fernando  Amaro,  is  beautifully  ornamented  with 
shade  trees,  shrubs,  and  flower  beds;  and  the  whole  aspect  of  the  place  indicates  that  the 
municipality  is  well-governed  and  in  happy  circumstances.  The  port  is  visited  regularly 


PRACA  GENERAL  OSORIO,  CURYTIBA. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  CONGRESS.  CURYTIBA. 


3 16 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


twice  a week  by  steamers  of  the  Lloyd- Brazileiro  and  the  Costeiro  lines,  and  more  than  a 
hundred  steamers  on  an  average  call  there  annually  on  trips  between  Rio  and  Buenos  Aires. 
Paranagua  is  the  chief  centre  of  trade  for  the  coast  district,  which  sends  to  this  port  the 
harvests  from  its  rice  and  cotton  fields,  its  fruit  farms  and  vegetable  gardens.  Next  in 
importance  to  Paranagua  as  a shipping  port  is  the  picturesque  little  city  of  Antonina,  which 
is  also  situated  on  the  bay  of  Paranagua,  a magnificent  harbor  of  thirty  miles  in  extent. 
Although  of  comparatively  recent  growth,  Antonina  is  rapidly  becoming  noted  for  its  indus- 
trial enterprise  and  commercial  activity.  Its  chief  exports  are  bananas,  oranges,  sugar  cane, 


A PUBLIC  GARDEN  IN  CURYTIBA. 


rice,  and  yerba  mate,  the  last-named  being  brought  down  from  higher  altitudes  and  much 
of  it  prepared  for  market  in  the  mate  mills  of  this  port.  Iron  mines  of  immense  value  and 
of  easy  access  exist  in  the  neighborhood,  which  is  rich  in  various  mineral  products,  such 
as  manganese,  mica,  and  other  ores. 

The  journey  from  Paranagua  and  Antonina  to  Curytiba  is  made  by  train,  over  the 
Parana  railway,  a masterpiece  of  engineering,  which  surmounts  the  range  without  the  aid 
of  cogs  or  cables,  by  means  of  trestles,  tunnels,  bridges  and  curves.  There  are  seventeen 
tunnels  in  all  piercing  the  sides  of  the  Serra  do  Mar  along  this  route.  The  road  was  built  by 
a Belgian  company  and  was  opened  to  traffic  in  1883.  Not  only  does  a trip  over  this  line 


PARANA 


U7 

afford  a view  of  unparalleled  magnificence  in  the  richness  and  variety  of  natural  scenery 
which  is  unfolded  to  the  sight  at  every  turn,  but  the  evidence  of  industrial  progress  and 
development  may  be  seen  in  the  flourishing  aspect  of  the  various  towns  along  the  route. 
Saw  mills,  factories,  breweries,  and  similar  enterprises  manifest  the  business  activity  and 
demonstrate  the  existence  of  general  prosperity.  After  four  hours’  journey  from  Paranagua 
the  traveller  arrives  at  Curytiba,  the  capital  of  Parana,  a city  of  fifty  thousand  inhabitants, 
situated  on  the  plateau,  sixty  miles  from  the  coast,  and  at  an  elevation  of  three  thousand 
feet  above  sea  level.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  cities  of  southern  Brazil  and  its  progress 
within  the  past  ten  years  has  been  remarkable.  It  is  now  a thoroughly  modern  capital, 
with  spacious  and  well  paved  streets,  lighted  with  electricity  and  traversed  in  all  directions 


t 

' i $ 


THE  CATHEDRAL,  CURYTIBA. 


by  street  cars;  handsome  public  buildings,  among  which  are  the  governor’s  palace,  the 
palace  of  congress,  the  municipal  building,  the  hospital,  the  penitentiary,  the  post  office  and  a 
number  of  fine  school  buildings,  are  evidences  of  economic  progress.  Education  receives 
adequate  attention,  the  State  supporting  more  than  four  hundred  schools.  Among  these, 
the  primary  schools  occupy  an  important  place,  as  it  is  the  constant  aim  of  the  government 
to  increase  the  facilities  by  which  all  classes  may  enjoy  the  privilege  of  free  instruction.  In 
Curytiba  the  profession  of  teaching  is  learned  in  the  Escola  Normal.  Special  instruction  is 
given  in  a kindergarten,  a school  of  fine  arts,  a school  of  crafts  and  industries,  called  the 
Escola  Carvalho,  and  a technical  school,  known  as  the  Gymnasio  Paranaense.  The  Escola 
Americana  is  a very  successful  boarding  and  day  school,  conducted  by  two  North  Americans, 
Miss  Dascomb  and  Miss  Kuhl,  who  are  greatly  esteemed  in  their  adopted  country.  In  the 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


3,8 

interest  of  general  education  the  government  authorities  have  established  an  excellent  public 
library  and  a museum  at  Curytiba.  The  needs  of  the  poor  and  unfortunate  have  not  been 

neglected,  the  hospital,  Santa  Casa  da  Miseri- 
cordia,  responding  to  the  demands  of  the 
suffering,  and  the  insane  asylum  affording  a 
shelter  for  the  mentally  afflicted.  For  recrea- 
tion, the  city  offers  many  attractions  in  the 
social  clubs,  the  theatres,  and  several  beauti- 
ful pragas  for  the  purposes  of  a promenade,  of 
which  the  Jardim  Botanico  is  the  most  popu- 
lar, as  it  is  not  only  a charming  passeio,  but  a 
place  affording  much  interesting  instruction. 

Together  with  its  surrounding  colonias, 
Curytiba  extends  over  a considerable  area, 
within  which  almost  every  industry  of  a 
temperate  zone  is  developed.  Barley,  oats, 
wheat,  rye,  Indian  corn,  and  potatoes  are 
cultivated,  and  within  the  past  few  years  a 
new  industry,  that  of  wine  growing,  has 
been  undertaken  with  very  satisfactory  re- 
sults. In  the  Poplade,  Moura,  and  Amaral 
vineyards,  more  than  fifty  thousand  vines 
have  been  planted,  and  a very  good  quality 
of  wine  is  produced,  which  is  greatly  in 
demand  for  the  market  of  the  northern  States.  The  annual  shipment  amounts  to  about  ten 
thousand  barrels,  and  the  outlook  is  favorable  for  an  extensive  commerce  in  Parana  wines. 
On  the  tablelands,  especially  in  the  districts  of  Lapa,  Palmeira,  Ponta  Grossa,  and  westward 
to  Guarapava,  extensive  ranges  afford  pasture  for  cattle  and  sheep,  which  thrive  wonderfully 
in  this  favorable  climate. 

In  addition  to  the  wealth  which  has  been  produced  in  the  State  through  the  develop- 
ment of  agriculture  and  cattle  raising,  rich  revenues  have  resulted  from  the  exploitation  of 
the  unlimited  treasures  of  its  forests  and  mines,  though  as  yet  the  value  and  extent  of  these 
resources  have  never  been  properly  investigated.  Large  fortunes  have  been  made  in  the 
yerba  mate  forests,  which  flourish  throughout  the  State  wherever  the  altitude  reaches  two 
thousand  feet,  being  especially  abundant  along  the  course  of  the  Iguassu  River  and  its 
tributaries.  The  Ilex  Paraguay  ensis,  as  the  yerba  mate  tree  is  known  to  science,  has  grown 
so  rapidly  in  importance  of  recent  years,  since  the  introduction  of  its  beverage  product  into 
European  and  North  American  homes,  that  the  latter  forms  one  of  the  chief  articles  of  export 
in  Parana,  and  more  than  twenty  large  mills  for  preparing  the  mate  for  market  have  been 
established  in  various  cities  of  the  State.  Next  in  importance  to  the  yerba  mate  as  an 


VIADUCT  ON  THE  PARANA  RAILWAY. 


PARANA 


A9 


article  of  export  from  the  Parana  forests  are  the  splendid  hardwoods  which  they  yield  in 
almost  endless  variety,  though  the  trade  in  this  product  has  not  yet  been  developed  to  meet 
the  full  demand,  owing 
to  the  difficulties  of  trans- 
portation. The  Parana 
pine,  or  Araucaria  bra- 
siliensis,  is  one  of  the 
prominent  features  of 
the  landscape  in  this 
State,  where  it  some- 
times grows  to  a height 
of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  feet,  with  a 
diameter  of  six  feet ; it  is 
exported  to  all  the  States 
of  Brazil  for  building  pur- 
poses, as  well  as  for  vari- 
ous other  uses  to  which 
pine  is  especially  adapted; 
the  fruit  is  very  nutri- 
tious; the  resin  contains  turpentine,  pitch,  and  a gum  similar  to  gum  arabic,  which  give  it  great 
therapeutic  value,  and  the  nuts  are  extensively  used  in  the  manufacture  of  buttons.  It  is 

estimated  that  there  are  eighty 
million  pine  trees  in  the  State. 
In  addition  to  the  pine,  the 
cedar  and  the  imbuia  are  ex- 
ported in  large  quantities;  the 
latter  being  in  great  demand 
because  of  the  beautiful  grain 
and  the  splendid  polish  it  will 
take.  It  is  calculated  that  the 
annual  export  of  Parana  woods 
is  about  one  hundred  thousand 
cubic  metres.  The  abundance 
of  wood  easily  obtainable  has 
contributed  toward  the  success 
of  many  important  enterprises, 
notably  that  of  the  Curytiba 
match  factory,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  manufacturing  industries  in  southern  Brazil.  The 
extent  of  Parana’s  mineral  resources  is  as  yet  unknown,  though  the  investigations  already 


THE  POST  OFFICE,  CURYTIBA. 


VIEW  ALONG  THE  PARANA  RAILWAY  BETWEEN  PARANAGUA  AND  CURYTIBA. 


320 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


made  show  that  there  is  enormous  wealth  hidden  in  her  mountains  and  streams.  Gold  is 
found  in  some  districts  of  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State,  between  Curytiba  and  the 
southern  border,  as  well  as  in  the  upper  streams  of  the  Tibagy;  in  the  Tibagy  and  Jordao 
Rivers  diamonds  have  been  discovered.  Alum  is  found  in  Ponta  Grossa,  mercury  in 
Palmeira,  and  in  many  sections  are  marble,  granite,  and  slate.  At  Imbituba,  between  Ponta 
Grossa  and  Guarapava,  a valuable  coal  mine  was  found  recently;  and  every  exploring  party 


THE  AMERICAN  CHURCH,  CURYTIBA. 


that  goes  into  the  interior  returns  with  some  of  the  many  ores  found  in  the  serras  of  that 
rich  and  extensive  region. 

Of  prime  importance  in  the  industrial  and  commercial  development  of  Parana,  as  of 
every  other  State  of  Brazil,  is  the  extension  of  the  railway  systems.  In  Parana  the  railroads 
are  comprised  under  two  lines:  the  Parana  railway,  of  which  the  main  line  connects  the 
seaport  of  Paranagua  with  the  capital,  Curytiba,  extends  west  to  Ponta  Grossa,  one  hundred 
and  eighty  miles,  the  branches  connecting  Antonina  with  Morretes,  a distance  of  ten  miles, 
Serrinha  with  Rio  Negro,  of  fifty  miles,  and  Restinga  with  Port  Amazones,  of  six  miles;  and 
the  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio  Grande  railroad  which  extends  across  the  State  from  northeast  to 
southwest,  leaving  Jaguariahyva,  near  the  southern  border  of  Sao  Paulo  and  reaching  the 


PARANA 


321 

border  of  Santa  Catharina  at  Porto  da  Uniao  on  the  Iguassu  River,  covering  a distance  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty-two  miles.  This  road  is  now  in  exploitation,  traversing  a territory  of  varied 
aspect.  The  headquarters  of 
the  railway  company  are  at 
Ponta  Grossa,  the  second  city 
in  the  State  in  population.  From 
this  point  north  to  Jaguaria- 
hyva,  a distance  of  ninety-three 
miles,  the  line  passes  through 
the  town  of  Castro,  and,  with 
an  ascent  of  about  a thousand 
feet,  crosses  a spur  of  the 
Paranapiacaba  range,  sloping 
gradually  to  the  great  tableland 
from  which  the  town  takes  its 
name.  Most  of  the  land  along 
this  route  is  particularly  well 
adapted  to  pasturage,  and  there  is  ample  provision  for  vast  herds  of  cattle  on  the  rolling 
plains  and  sloping  hillsides.  At  present  only  a few  ranches  are  seen,  the  chief  enterprises  of 
this  kind  being  in  the  neighborhood  of  Castro,  which  is  situated  on  the  river  Iapo,  a branch 
of  the  Tibagy.  From  Ponta  Grossa  south  to  Porto  da  Uniao,  a distance  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty-nine  miles,  the  railroad  crosses  a country  covered  with  immense  forests  of  pine  trees, 
separated  at  intervals  by  extensive  clearings  which  show  the  result  of  industrious  labor  on 
the  part  of  the  colonists  settled  in  this  region.  Rio  Claro,  with  a population  of  ten  thousand, 

is  the  commercial  centre  of  a community  of 
prosperous  Polish  farmers,  who  cultivate  the 
fertile  soil  with  excellent  results,  harvesting 
barley,  rye,  beans,  potatoes,  and  other  prod- 
ucts. The  freight  carried  by  this  road  is 
principally  yerba  mate,  hardwoods,  and  farm 
produce. 

Comprised  in  the  great  Sao  Paulo  and 
Rio  Grande  system,  the  railroad  from  Jagua- 
riahyva  to  Porto  da  Uniao  is  part  of  a trunk 
line  which  is  now  under  construction  at 
various  points  for  the  purpose  of  establish- 
ing complete  railway  transportation  from 
the  Federal  capital  southward  through  the 
States  of  Sao  Paulo,  Parana,  Santa  Catharina,  and  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  to  the  limits  of  the 
republic.  From  Jaguariahyva  north  to  Itarare,  a distance  of  sixty  miles,  the  line  is  being 


THE  VINEYARD  OF  DR.  MOURA,  NEAR  CURYTIBA. 


322 


THE  NEVE  BRAZIL 


extended  to  establish  connection  with  the  Sorocabana  railway  of  Sao  Paulo.  In  addition  to 
the  main  line  which  is  on  the  point  of  completion  from  the  northern  to  the  southern  border 
of  Parana,  the  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio  Grande  Railway  Company  have  now  under  construction 
in  this  State,  or  have  made  surveys  and  plans  for  their  construction,  more  than  a thousand 
miles  of  railways.  From  Jaguariahyva  a branch  line  will  run  north  to  Salto  Grande  on  the 
Paranapanema  River,  touching  the  Sao  Paulo  frontier;  a distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles,  all  of  which  is  surveyed,  and  about  half  of  it  is  under  construction.  A line  is  also 
being  built  from  Parana  to  the  port  of  Sao  Francisco  in  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina,  about 
seven  hundred  miles  (one  thousand  two  hundred  kilometres)  in  length,  one  hundred  miles 
of  which  is  completed,  and  the  remainder  is  in  course  of  construction.  This  line  will  enter 
the  State  of  Parana  near  Rio  Claro,  and,  crossing  the  main  line,  will  pass  through  Guara- 
pava  to  its  western  terminus  at  the  Falls  of  Iguassu,  which  are  destined  one  day  to  be  the 

great  scenic  attraction  of  South 
America,  as  Niagara  Falls  have 
been  that  of  North  America  for 
a century  or  more.  Both  States 
will  reap  the  vast  benefits  to 
accrue  from  such  an  enterprise, 
which  will  serve  as  a . connect- 
ing link  in  their  social,  indus- 
trial, and  commercial  progress. 
When  all  the  lines  now  being 
built,  or  which  are  projected, 
are  put  in  operation,  Parana 
will  have  such  a network  of 
railways  as  will  facilitate  trans- 
portation in  every  part  of  the 
State.  The  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio  Grande  Railway  Company  is  directed  by  men  of  the  greatest 
skill  in  railroad  enterprise.  Among  its  directors  is  Sir  William  C.  Van  Horne,  of  Montreal, 
Canada,  the  president  of  one  of  the  greatest  triumphs  in  modern  railroad  science,  the 
Canadian  Pacific  system.  The  construction  is  in  charge  of  able  managers  under  the  presidency 
of  Mr.  Percival  Farquhar,  and  the  company’s  offices  and  shops  at  Ponta  Grossa  present  an 
aspect  of  bustling  activity.  The  wood  of  the  country,  especially  the  imbuia,  is  well  adapted 
for  the  construction  of  cars,  samples  of  which  have  been  made  in  the  Ponta  Grossa  car  shops. 

The  history  of  industrial  development  in  every  country  of  the  New  World  has  been 
intimately  related  to  the  increase  of  its  facilities  for  transportation,  and  one  of  the  greatest 
influences  in  attracting  immigration  to  the  western  States  of  the  United  States  during  the 
past  fifty  years  has  been  the  possibilities  for  rapid  and  secure  transportation  of  the  farmers’ 
products  to  the  best  markets,  as  well  as  the  greater  social  advantages  afforded  by  facilities 
for  communication.  By  the  construction  of  a complete  railway  system,  Parana  will  increase 


PARANA 


323 


many  times  the  present  value 
of  its  vast  territory.  The  rail- 
ways now  in  operation  have 
contributed  greatly  toward  the 
extension  of  commerce,  and 
many  enterprises  which  could 
not  have  been  successfully  es- 
tablished without  the  necessary 
railway  facilities  for  distributing 
their  products  have  grown  up 
within  recent  years  and  are 
rapidly  increasing  in  impor- 
tance and  wealth.  A prosper-  RUA  GENERAL  CARNEIRO,  PARANAGUA. 

ous  trade  exists  with  Argentina 

and  Chile  in  barbeoua,  or  meat  dried  over  the  fire  by  a process  which  protects  it  from  any 
taste  of  smoke.  Yerba  mate,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  next  chapter,  is  the  chief  source  of 
revenue  to  the  State,  though  other  industries  are  increasing  in  number  annually.  Parana  ranks 
eighth  among  the  twenty-two  States  of  Brazil  in  the  value  of  its  export  trade,  which  amounts 
to  ten  million  milreis,  gold,  annually.  The  financial  condition  of  the  State  has  never  been 
more  prosperous  than  now,  and  the  government  is  in  the  hands  of  statesmen  of  ability  and 
patriotism,  who  devote  every  effort  toward  its  aggrandizement.  The  president,  Dr.  Joao  Can- 
dido  Ferreira,  had  valuable  experience  in  government  affairs  before  his  election  to  the  highest 
office  of  the  State,  having  occupied  several  important  posts  under  previous  administrations. 

He  was  vice-president 
in  the  government  of 
the  late  President  Vicente 
Machado,  and  filled  the 
office  of  chief  executive 
during  the  visit  of  the 
president  to  Europe  in  a 
vain  effort  to  regain  his 
health.  Upon  the  death 
of  that  distinguished 
statesman,  the  unani- 
mous voice  of  the  people 
welcomed  Dr.  Candido 
Ferreira  as  his  successor. 

Dr.  Vicente  Machado 
was  a native  Paranaense, 

RAILROAD  BRIDGE  OF  CASTRO.  STATE  OF  PARANA.  and  3.  graduate  Of  tile 


3 24 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Sao  Paulo  Law  School.  He  occupied  several  important  official  positions  under  the  empire, 
and  was  elected  first  president  of  Parana  under  the  republic;  he  did  good  service  for  the 
Federal  government  during  the  naval  revolution,  and,  after  1895",  as  a Senator  of  the  republic, 
he  continued  to  take  an  active  interest  in  the  affairs  of  his  State.  Among  other  leader^  in 
the  political,  commercial,  and  educational  advancement  of  Parana,  one  of  the  best  known, 
especially  through  his  important  scientific  articles  on  the  subject  of  yerba  mate,  is  Dr.  Victor 
Ferreira  do  Amaral,  a physician  of  high  standing  and  the  president  of  the  State  Society  of  Agri- 
culture, which  in  1900  held  an  exposition  in  Curytiba  that  attracted  many  thousands  of  visitors. 

In  accordance  with  the  constitution  of  Parana,  the  president  of  the  State  is  elected  every 
four  years.  The  legislative  power  is  delegated  to  the  State  congress,  which  is  composed 
of  thirty  deputies,  elected  for  two  years.  The  judicial  power  is  exercised  by  a superior 
tribunal  of  justice,  district  judges,  and  minor  courts  of  law.  The  State  is  divided  into  thirty- 
nine  municipalities,  each  of  which  has  its  municipal  chamber  and  a prefect  elected  for  four 
years.  It  also  constitutes  a diocese,  the  bishop  of  which  is  the  Very  Reverend  Dom  Duarte 
Leopoldo,  who  resides  in  Curytiba,  where  the  cathedral,  a beautiful  new  edifice,  occupies  a 
prominent  site  overlooking  the  Praga  Tiradentes. 

The  picturesque  scenery  and  salubrious  climate  of  the  State  of  Parana  are  attractions 
excelled  only  by  the  more  substantial  advantages  of  a fertile  soil  and  abundant  natural  wealth. 
Tourists  who  now  crowd  the  various  mountain  resorts  of  Europe  will  some  day  discover 
that  in  the  semis  of  Parana  are  more  magnificent  vistas,  richer  color  effects  in  foliage  and 
blossoms,  more  wonderful  contrasts  in  the  light  and  shade  that  envelop  alternately  the  sunny 
crests  of  the  mountains  and  their  unfathomable  gorges,  than  in  many  of  the  Old  World’s 
most  famous  highlands.  There  is  much  to  encourage  immigration  in  the  statement  of  Saint- 
Hilaire  respecting  Parana:  “Of  all  the  States  of  Brazil,  none  offers  greater  advantages  to  the 
European  farmers;  they  find  here  a temperate  climate,  pure  air,  the  fruits  of  their  country,  a 
land  in  which  they  can  raise  all  the  produce  that  may  be  grown  in  their  own  country.” 


PONTA  GROSSA,  PARANA 


WATERFALL  NEAR  CURYT1BA,  PARANA 


CHAPTER  XIX 


THE  YERBA  MATE  OF  PARANA 

\ A/"  HEN  the  disciples  of  Igna- 
’ Y tius  Loyola  entered  upon 
their  labors  as  missionaries  among 
the  Indians  of  Brazil,  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  sixteenth  century,  they 
were  surprised  to  find  that  the 
Guarany  tribes  were  able  to 
withstand  all  kinds  of  hardships 
and  to  go  without  solid  food  for 
days  at  a time,  by  chewing  the 
leaves  of  a native  shrub  which 
they  called  cad.  The  holy  fathers 
experimented  with  the  herb,  and  found  it  so  good  that  they  established  plantations  and 
taught  the  Indians  to  cultivate  it,  giving  it  the  name  of  yerba  mate.  In  the  early  days 
of  the  industry,  every  mission  had  its  yerbale  under  cultivation,  the  Jesuits  directing  the 
labors  of  the  Indians,  who  were  carefully  drilled  in  their  work,  dividing  attention  between 
the  cad  mini,  or  best  quality,  and  the  cad  liana,  of  inferior  worth.  Later,  immense  mate 
forests,  or  yerbale s,  were  discovered  in  all  the  southern  States  of  Brazil,  the  most  valuable 
being  those  of  Parana,  which  are  to-day  the  great  sources  of  the  yerba  mate  supply  for 
the  markets  of  the  world,  though  the  territory  within  which  the  plant  will  grow  may  be 
said  to  extend  from  Minas  Geraes  to  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  and  from  the  Paraguay  River  to 
the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

Travellers  and  explorers  in  South  American  countries  long  ago  learned  the  good 
qualities  of  yerba  mate  as  a refreshing  and  invigorating  beverage.  Darwin  thoroughly 
appreciated  its  value,  and  in  letters  to  his  friends,  as  well  as  in  the  pages  of  his 
Journal  of  Researches,  written  after  his  South  American  journey,  he  lauds  it  as  an  “ideal 
drink.”  The  yerba  mate  is  not  an  herb,  but  a shrub,  even  a tree,  about  the  size  of  an 

V-l 


A RIVER  BOAT  LOADED  WITH  YERBA  MATE. 


328 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


orange  tree,  though  its  boughs  are  more  slender.  It  sometimes  grows  to  the  height  of 
twenty-five  feet,  the  trunk  measuring  over  three  feet  in  circumference.  The  principal 


INDIANS  CARRYING  YERBA  MATE  TO  THE  MILL. 


yerbales  are  situated  in  the  remote  country  districts,  far  from  towns,  and  the  yerbateiros, 
or  mate-gatherers,  are  obliged  to  make  a long  trip  across  the  country  before  reaching 
their  destination.  The  time  for  collecting  mate  usually  begins  in  December,  and  continues 
until  August.  The  yerbateiros  set  out  with  their  provisions,  tools,  and  cattle,  prepared  to 
establish  a camp  for  the  season  in  the  mate  forest.  The  picking,  drying,  and  packing 
were  previously  performed  on  the  grounds,  but  since  the  perfection  of  machinery  suitable 
for  the  process  of  drying  and  packing,  this  part  of  the  work  has  been  done  in  large 
central  mills  to  which  the  product  of  an  entire  district  is  taken.  Under  the  old  system, 
the  yerbateiros  usually  travelled  in  companies  of  twenty  or  thirty,  forming  quite  a little 
settlement  wherever  they  erected  their  huts.  Their  first  work  consisted  in  preparing  an 
open  space  about  six  feet  square,  after  which  they  beat  the  ground  hard  and  smooth  with 
mallets.  Then  they  cut  the  mate  and  placed  it  in  the  clearing,  building  a fire  around  it  to 
give  it  a.  preliminary  roasting,  after  which  it  was  arranged  on  a framework  of  poles  with  a 
fire  underneath  for  a second  roasting,  this  process  requiring  great  care,  as  the  aroma  of 
the  mate  depended  upon  it;  the  required  amount  of  heat  was  only  learned  by  long 
experience.  After  two  or  three  days  of  drying,  the  leaves  were  reduced  to  coarse  powder, 
and  packed  in  serous,  or  bags  of  raw  hide,  which  shrank  when  exposed  to  the  sun,  thus 
completing  the  preparation  of  the  mate  for  shipment.  The  preliminary  roasting  is  still 
done  on  some  of  the  yerbales  in  large  copper  pans  over  a slow  fire,  after  which  the 


THE  YERBA  MATE  OF  PARANA 


329 


mate  is  put  in  bags  and  stored  away  until  it  is  shipped  to  the  harbor  of  export  in 
wagons  drawn  by  long  trains  of  mules  or  in  the  river  boats  that  carry  this  freight 
in  great  quantities. 

More  than  twenty  million  people  in  South  America  drink  mate  daily,  and  find  it  a more 
desirable  beverage  than  tea  or  coffee,  having  none  of  the  deleterious  effects  of  these  drinks 
even  when  taken  to  excess,  but,  on  the  contrary,  promoting  digestion,  soothing  the  nerves, 
and  giving  immediate  activity  to  the  brain.  According  to  high  scientific  authority,  it  is  the 
only  beverage  which  leaves  absolutely  no  bad  after-effects  upon  those  who  drink  it  in  large 
or  small  quantities.  Its  dynamic  value  is  enormous;  by  its  use  the  cowboys  of  the  plains 
and  soldiers  in  battle  are  enabled  to  endure  the  most  terrible  fatigue  and  even  to  live  for 
days  without  solid  food.  During  the  Paraguayan  war,  it  was  an  indispensable  agent  in 
preserving  the  lives  of  the  fever-stricken  armies,  and  many  times  it  formed  the  sole  means 
of  sustenance  during  long  and  wearisome  marches.  The  importance  of  this  fact  has  been 
so  impressed  upon  government  officials  in  foreign  countries  that  extensive  experiments  are 


YERBA  MATE  TREES. 


now  being  made  with  this  drink  in  the  armies  of  France  and  Germany,  with  satisfactory 
results,  it  is  said,  and  it  has  been  recommended  to  the  United  States  government  by  some 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


33° 

of  its  officials  in  South  America  as  a valuable  drink  for  its  soldiers  in  the  hot  climates  of 
Cuba  and  the  Philippines.  As  a safeguard  against  insomnia,  it  is  highly  spoken  of,  and  in 

those  countries  where  it  is  a con- 
stant beverage  such  affections  as 
gout  and  indigestion  are  unknown. 

As  a beverage,  yerba  mate  is 
especially  beneficial  to  those  of 
sedentary  habits  and  to  brain- 
workers who  find  the  use  of  coffee 
or  tea  harmful  to  the  nervous  sys- 
tem. In  certain  parts  of  South 
America,  where  mate  is  the  only 
drink,  the  people  present  an  ap- 
pearance of  healthy  activity,  fresh- 
ness, and  good  physical  condition 
which  cannot  be  attributed  solely 
to  the  influence  of  climate  or  cir- 
cumstances, but  seem  rather  to 
be  the  result,  in  a great  measure,  of 
abstemious  habits,  fostered  by  an 
absolute  freedom  from  the  use  of 
intoxicants — which  are  seldom  in 
demand  among  mate-drinkers — or 
of  tea  or  coffee,  so  harmful  under 
some  conditions,  and  the  bene- 
fit resulting  from  the  therapeutic 
qualities  of  the  yerba  mate,  which 
they  drink  in  unlimited  quantities. 
Gauchos,  guanaco  hunters,  miners,  and  soldiers  are  contented  with  rations  that  include 
nothing  more  than  a piece  of  hard  bread  or  a bit  of  dried  beef,  providing  they  are  well  sup- 
plied with  mate.  In  every  sphere  of  life  and  in  every  circle  of  society  the  South  Americans 
enjoy  this  excellent  beverage.  In  some  homes  it  is  the  custom  to  take  mate  several  times 
a day,  sipping  it  from  the  cuya  through  a bombilla. 

The  cuya  is  a diminutive  calabash,  usually  about  the  size  of  an  orange,  with  a small 
opening,  through  which  the  mate  is  put  in  and  hot  water  poured  over  it,  often  not  larger 
than  just  sufficient  to  admit  the  bowl  of  the  bombilla.  Cuyas  are  of  every  shape  and  size, 
some  richly  ornamented  and  others  of  the  most  primitive  manufacture.  The  bombillas,  or, 
as  the  name  signifies,  “little  pumps,”  are  utilized  similarly  to  the  “straws”  through  which 
North  Americans  sip  their  lemonade,  though  they  are  quite  different  in  appearance,  being 
usually  made  of  metal,  with  a small  perforated  bulb  or  strainer  at  the  end,  in  order  that  the 


THE  YERBA  MATE  OF  PARANA 


3*1 

tea  may  be  imbibed  without  any  of  the  mate  leaves  being  drawn  into  the  mouth.  There  is 
wide  latitude  for  the  indulgence  of  individual  taste  in  the  selection  of  a cuya  and  bombilla, 
some  of  which  are  very  handsome  and  elaborate,  beautifully  carved,  and  mounted  in  silver 
or  gold.  After  every  few  sips,  a fresh  supply  of  hot  water  must  be  poured  over  the  tea 
leaves,  to  which  sugar  and  cream  are  added,  if  preferred.  In  most  homes  of  the  better 
class,  a neat  little  servant  stands  ready  to  replenish  the  cuya  as  required.  An  old  custom 
of  the  mate  countries,  which  is  symbolic  of  the  most  cordial  hospitality,  though  not  now  so 
general  as  formerly,  consists  in  passing  the  cuya  around,  so  that  every  one  present  may 
partake  of  the  beverage  through  the  same  bombilla,  after  the  manner  of  the  “pipe  of  peace.” 
Foreigners  soon  learn  to  enjoy  the  mate,  sometimes  following  the  native  custom  of 
taking  it  from  the  cuya,  but  quite  as  often  using  a cup  and  saucer  in  “five-o’clock”  style. 


MAMMOTH  ROCKS  AT  VILLA  VELHA,  PARANA'. 


Although  it  is  an  acquired  taste  to  some  extent,  there  are  few  who  do  not  become  mate- 
drinkers  after  a few  trials  of  the  beverage,  and  the  most  enthusiastic  native  is  not  louder  in 
praise  of  its  wonderful  qualities  than  the  newly-won  advocate  from  across  the  seas.  The 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


3*2 


amount  of  mate  used  in  preparing  the  drink  varies  according  to  individual  taste.  An  ounce 
of  the  yerba  to  a quart  of  water  is  generally  the  proportion  used,  the  tea  being  strained  and 

ready  for  serving 
after  steeping  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes. 
It  may  be  sweet- 
ened to  taste  and 
a little  milk  or 
rum  added,  if  pre- 
ferred. Iron  uten- 
sils should  be 
avoided,  as  they 
give  a dark  color 
to  the  beverage. 
Sometimes  the 
mate  is  put  into 
a bag  and  hot 
water  poured  over 
it,  thus  obviating 
the  necessity  of 
straining  when 
serving  it  in  the 
cup  and  saucer 


TRANSPORTING  YERBA  MATE  FOR  SHIPMENT.  Style,  tllOUgh  the 

majority  of  “con- 
firmed” mate-drinkers  prefer  the  cuya  and  bombilla  of  South  American  custom  on  all 
occasions,  and  certainly  there  is  the  element  of  the  picturesque  in  this  quaint  fashion. 

A chemist  of  world-wide  reputation, 
who  has  had  years  of  experience  in  ana- 
lyzing teas  in  London,  says:  “Yerba-mate 
tea  must  be  considered  a most  valuable 
beverage.  It  is  especially  beneficial  to  the 
stomach  and  nerves.  It  has  great  sustain- 
ing power,  but  does  not  irritate.  Its  effect 
is  soothing  and  quieting,  with  no  deleterious 
consequences  of  any  kind.  Mate  may  be 
freely  drunk  after  it  has  stood  forty-eight 

J J & mate  blossoms. 

hours,  without  any  unpleasant  disturbances, 

even  in  strong  decoction.  It  remains  just  as  healthful  as  when  freshly  made.”  Dr.  Mante- 
gazza,  the  great  Italian  physician,  says  that  mate  is  especially  good  for  those  who  live  under 


THE  YERBA  MATE  OF  PARANA 


333 


( J -'■/  * \v, 

iZWt  * % 


CUYAS,  MATE  DRINKING 
VESSELS. 


severe  mental  strain,  whose  labors  are  chietly  intellectual.  The  exports  of  yerba  mate  from 
Parana  last  year  amounted  to  fifty  thousand  tons,  valued  at  a million  pounds  sterling.  Some  of 

the  large  mate  companies 
own  vast  estates  and  have 
mate  mills  equipped  with 
the  best  modern  conven- 
iences for  treating  the 
mate  when  it  comes  from 
the  yerbales,  and  for  pre- 
paring it  for  shipment. 

The  Tibagy  factory,  which  was  founded  in  1869  by 
the  Baron  de  Serro  Azul,  is  one  of  the  best  equipped 

mate  establishments  of  the  State.  It  is  provided  with  modern  presses  and  other  machinery, 
and  has  its  own  repairing  shops,  and  is  lighted  entirely  with  electricity.  The  Santa  Graga 
factory  at  Curytiba,_and  the  mate  mills  of  Villa  Guimaraes  at  Paranagua  ship  large  quantities 
of  yerba  mate  to  all  parts  of  South  America  and  an  increasing  supply  annually  to  the 
markets  of  Europe  and  the  United  States.  The  process  of  treating  the  mate  leaves  is  quite 
simple.  When  the  mate  is  taken  to  one  of  these  mills,  it  is  first  triturated  and  separated 
from  the  stems  and  dust  by  means  of  mechanical  crushers,  sifters,  and  ventilators ; when 
sufficiently  pulverized,  it  is  passed  through  troughs  into  a second  grinder,  the  twigs  being 
again  sifted  and  broken,  after  which  they  are  separated  and  classified,  some  being  used  as 
fuel,  and  the  rest  forming  an  indispensable  part  of  the  mate  sent  to  consumers.  Within 


THE  PLANT  THAT  SUPPLIES  HIS  FAVORITE 
BEVERAGE. 


BRIDGE  OVER  THE  IGUASSU  RIVER. 


recent  years  its  cultivation  has  received  every  attention,  especially  since  the  Paraguayan 
war,  when  the  great  demand  for  it  resulted  in  the  accumulation  of  several  fortunes  among 


m 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


the  yerba  mate  proprietors,  the  profits  reaching  a hundred  per  cent  clear  of  all  expenses  in 
some  cases,  so  great  was  the  demand. 


THE  RAILWAY  STATION  AT  PONTA  GROSSA,  A SHIPPING  POINT  FOR  YERBA  MATE. 


Brazil  distinguished  herself  during  the  nineteenth  century  among  the  commercial 
nations  of  the  world  by  making  her  coffee  an  almost  universal  beverage,  and  it  is  not  too 
much  to  predict  that  results  as  wonderful  will  be  accomplished  during  the  present  century 
with  her  tea,  the  yerba  mate,  which  is  rapidly  winning  favor  in  the  homes  of  North  America 
and  Europe,  and  may  even  find  its  way  to  the  Orient,  the  home  of  its  Chinese  rival. 


THE  PINES  OF  PARANA. 


* 


FLORIANOPOLIS,  THE  CAPITAL  OF  THE  STATE  OF  SANTA  CATHARINA. 


CHAPTER  XX 

CATHARINA 

OANTA  CATHARINA  was  one  of  the  first 
^ points  of  discovery  on  the  South  Amer- 
ican coast,  the  navigator  Juan  Dias  de  Solis 
having  visited  it  in  1^15"  and  Sebastian  Cabot 
in  ip5\  though  it  was  not  settled  until  16^0, 
when  Francisco  Dias  Velho  Monteiro  and  his 
four  sons  established  themselves  on  the 
island  which  extends  along  the  coast  mid- 
way between  the  northern  and  the  southern 
limits  of  the  present  State  for  a distance  of 
about  twenty-five  miles.  Monteiro  gave  to 
the  island  the  name  of  Santa  Catharina  in 
honor  of  his  daughter,  and  at  once  erected 
a chapel  to  Nossa  Senhora  do  Desterro  [Our 
Lady  of  Exile]  upon  the  site  of  the  present 
capital,  Florianopolis.  The  mainland  remained 
unsettled  until  about  the  end  of  the  seven- 
teenth century,  when  the  Paulistas  founded 
an  agricultural  colony  first  known  as  Pra^eres, 
from  the  church  of  Nossa  Senhora  dos  Prazeres  [Our  Lady  of  Joys]  erected  at  this  place, 
though  afterward  the  name  was  changed  to  Villa  dos  Lages,  by  which  it  is  known  to-day 
as  one  of  the  thriving  towns  of  the  State.  There  was  no  extensive  colonization  of  the 
State  until  the  eighteenth  century,  when  King  Joao  V.  sent  out  families  from  the  Azores 
to  settle  the  mainland  and  the  island.  In  1813,  the  present  limits  were  established,  and 
in  1824  the  territory  became  a province  of  the  empire,  the  first  president  being  Joao  Rodrigo 
de  Carvalho.  From  this  date,  the  settlement  of  the  country  progressed  gradually,  until,  in 
1849,  a new  impetus  was  given  to  its  growth  by  the  establishment  of  the  colony  of  Joinville 

337 


SANTA 


MAIN  STAIRWAY,  GOVERNMENT  PALACE, 
FLORIANOPOLIS. 


338 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State,  a few  miles  inland  from  the  bay  of  Sao  Francisco, 
which  is  one  of  the  best  harbors  along  the  South  American  coast.  The  Duke  de  Joinville, 


THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


son  of  Louis  Philippe,  founded  this  colony  principally  with  German  settlers,  on  a tract  of 
land  which  had  been  put  aside  for  the  purpose  out  of  the  marriage  dot  of  his  wife,  Princess 
Donna  Francisco,  sister  of  the  Emperor  Dorn  Pedro  II.  Circumstances  were  favorable  to  its 
development  at  that  time  when  there  was  a general  exodus  of  Germans  from  the  fatherland 
in  consequence  of  political  discontent,  and  within  a few  years  after  its  inauguration  it 
became  one  of  the  most  prosperous  towns  to  be  found  in  southern  Brazil;  broad,  shaded 
streets  fronting  pretty  cottages  and  even  more  pretentious  residences,  and  attractive  gardens 
beautified  with  shrubs  and  flowers,  gave  to  the  town  an  appearance  of  prosperity  in  keeping 
with  the  advancement  made,  which  was  gratifying  to  both  the  founder  and  the  colonists. 
Joinville  now  has  a population  of  about  thirty  thousand  inhabitants,  nearly  all  Brazilian 
citizens,  and  it  is  the  chief  town  of  a rich  agricultural  district,  as  well  as  a manufacturing 
centre  of  importance.  Hundreds  of  wagon  loads  of  yerba  mate  pass  through  the  city  to 
the  seaport  of  Sao  Francisco  for  shipment;  tobacco,  wheat,  rye,  barley,  and  dairy  products 
are  grown  in  this  district;  manufacturing  enterprises  of  every  kind  have  been  established, 
numbering  about  two  hundred,  and  including  a sugar  factory  in  the  suburb  of  Pirabeiraba,  a 
rice  mill,  five  large  establishments  for  the  treatment  of  yerba  mate,  four  cotton  spinning 
mills,  fifteen  saw  mills,  and  a number  of  foundries,  breweries  and  other  enterprises. 
The  municipal  authorities  are  wide  awake  to  the  importance  of  general  education,  and 
the  town  supports  fifty  schools  with  an  average  attendance  of  three  thousand  pupils. 


SANTA  CAT  HA  NINA 


339 


Possessing  the  simple  tastes  and  frugal  habits  that  distinguish  the  German  farmer  in  his 
own  land,  and  which  the  German-Brazilian  inherits  from  his  colonist  ancestors,  these 
thrifty  people  have  developed  also  the  characteristics  of  their  Brazilian  parents,  and  are 
generous  in  hospitality,  ready  in  enterprise,  and  optimistic  in  temperament. 

The  salubrious  climate  and  fertile  soil  of  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina  make  it  especially 
adapted  to  the  purposes  of  colonization,  and  nowhere  in  Brazil  have  the  foreign  commun- 
ities enjoyed  better  opportunities  for  progress  than  here.  About  a year  after  the  colony 
of  Joinville  was  settled,  Dr.  Blumenau  founded  the  German  colony  which  still  bears  his 
name,  and  chose  as  a site  for  its  location  a tract  of  land  in  the  most  fertile  region  of  the 
State,  bordering  on  the  river  Itajahy,  southwest  of  Joinville  and  northwest  of  Florianopolis, 
about  equidistant  between  these  two  ports.  Blumenau  has  developed  rapidly;  it  now 
numbers  about  fifty  thousand  inhabitants,  and  has  many  important  manufactories.  Its 
chief  port  is  Itajahy,  a picturesque  town  of  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  situated  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river  of  the  same  name.  Itajahy  has  an  especial  claim  to  renown  as  the 
birthplace  of  one  of  Brazil’s  greatest  statesmen,  Dr.  Lauro  Muller.  It  takes  importance 
as  the  nearest  point  of  export  for  rich  mineral  products,  manganese,  mica,  etc.,  which  have 


THE  PRINCIPAL  PARK  OF  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


recently  been  discovered  in  the  vicinity.  The  Itajahy  River,  varying  in  width  from  five 
hundred  feet  to  a quarter  of  a mile  between  Blumenau  and  the  seaport,  is  navigable  by 


340 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


small  vessels  for  thirty  miles.  The  exports  of  Blumenau  include  tobacco,  sugar,  wheat  and 
dairy  products.  It  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque  of  the  many  attractive  towns  of  Santa 

Catharina,  and  the  predominance  of 
Teutonic  types  and  customs  gives  it 
an  appearance  more  German  than 
Brazilian,  though  the  inhabitants  are 
loyal  to  the  land  of  their  adoption, 
and  take  pride  in  everything  which 
advances  its  interests  and  welfare. 
Blumenau  is  the  centre  of  a rich  agri- 
cultural district  which  has  been  indus- 
triously developed,  and  yields  splendid 
harvests  annually.  The  production 
from  the  tobacco  plantations  alone 
represents  an  important  revenue,  about 
ten  million  cigars  being  exported  every 
year  to  supply  the  markets  of  Hamburg 
and  Bremen.  The  dairy  products  fur- 
nish another  valuable  source  of  wealth, 
about  five  hundred  tons  of  butter  being 
shipped  annually,  in  addition  to  large 
quantities  of  cheese,  ham,  fruits,  and 
other  articles.  In  the  neighborhood 
of  Blumenau,  on  the  northern  bank  of 
the  Itajahy,  there  is  an  abundance  of 
granite  and  marble  of  a superior  quality,  which  awaits  exploitation  by  enterprising  capitalists. 
Although  no  railroads  have  yet  been  completed  to  connect  this  city  with  the  coast  and  with 
other  interior  towns,  the  municipality  maintains  in  good  condition  about  one  thousand  five 
hundred  miles  of  wagon  roads.  Blumenau  is  connected  with  the  port  of  Itajahy  by  steamer. 

Another  flourishing  German  colony,  Brusque,  situated  on  the  Itajahy,  between  Blum- 
enau and  the  port,  is  especially  noted  for  its  manufacturing  enterprises.  A new  railway 
line  is  projected  from  Blumenau  to  Hamonia,  which  is  the  centre  of  a Hanseatic  colony 
established  a few  years  ago,  and  from  this  line  branches  will  be  extended  to  the  Rio 
Negro  on  the  north  and  to  Curytibanos  at  the  southwest.  This  enterprise  is  in  the  hands 
of  German  capitalists,  and  is  not  connected  with  the  proposed  system  of  the  Sao  Paulo 
and  Rio  Grande  Railway  Company,  which  is  not  only  constructing  a line  to  cross  the  State 
from  the  Parana  boundary  at  Porto  da  Uniao  to  the  northern  border  of  Rio  Grande  do 
Sul,  as  part  of  the  trunk  line  from  Rio  to  the  southern  limits  of  the  republic,  but  is  also  at 
work  on  the  line  from  the  port  of  Sao  Francisco  to  the  Falls  of  Iguassu,  as  previously 
stated.  Already  one  may  go  by  railway  from  Sao  Francisco  to  Join ville,  ten  miles  away, 


SANTA  CAT  HA  RINA 


34i 


and  the  line  is  being  rapidly  extended  inland.  Other  routes  have  been  surveyed,  by  the 
construction  of  which  the  whole  interior  will  be  crossed  by  a network  of  railways.  One  of 


THE  MARKET  PLACE,  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


the  oldest  towns  of  the  interior  is  Lages,  the  centre  of  rich  pasture  lands  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  high  plateau  which  extends  across  the  State  from  north  to  south,  and  which,  in 
Santa  Catharina,  as  in  Sao  Paulo  and  Parana,  is  separated  from  the  coast  region  by  the  Serra 
do  Mar,  or  Coast  Range.  In  addition  to  cattle  raising,  the  people  cultivate  the  soil  with 
profitable  results,  producing  good  harvests  of  fruits  and  cereals.  Wine  growing  is  a 
promising  industry,  and  mate 
is  exported  from  the  forests. 

Another  town  of  great  promise 
is  Curytibanos,  which  takes  its 
name  from  the  fact  that  the 
founders  were  natives  of  Cury- 
tiba  in  Parana,  soldiers  who 
made  this  their  resting  place 
on  their  marches  between  the 
national  capital  and  their  head- 
quarters in  the  south.  Curyti- 
banos is  situated  at  the  junction 
of  two  roads  which  cross  the 
State  from  the  northern  to  the 


BOCAYUVA  AVENUE.  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


M2 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


southern  boundary,  and  in  the  centre  of  a fertile  agricultural  region.  Its  products  are  similar 
to  those  of  Lages,  as  the  natural  conditions  governing  the  two  places  are  practically  the  same. 

The  discovery  in  this  locality  of  valuable  deposits  of  clay  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of 
cement  has  led  to  the  organization  of  a company  to  exploit  this  industry,  which  is  of  vast 
importance,  as  the  various  port  improvements  now  under  way  require  the  employment  of 
immense  quantities  of  cement.  Experiments  and  analyses  made  by  a skilful  expert  of  the 
laboratory  of  Zurich,  Switzerland,  resulted  in  a report  so  favorable  that  capital  was  at  once 


THE  MUNICIPAL  CHAMBER,  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


subscribed  for  the  establishment  of  cement  works  with  a capacity  of  three  hundred  barrels 
daily,  which  are  in  operation  at  a point  situated  between  the  municipalities  of  Brusque 
and  Lages. 

Especial  attention  has  recently  been  attracted  to  the  coast  region  in  the  southern  part  of 
the  State,  where  the  coal  mines  of  Tubarao  have  been  explored  with  promising  results.  The 
Donna  Theresa  Christina  railroad,  which  was  built  a few  years  ago  to  connect  these  mines 
with  the  seaport  of  Imbituba,  and  which  passes  through  the  town  of  Tubarao,  now  has  a 
short  branch  running  along  the  coast  south  from  Imbituba  to  Laguna,  and  is  being  extended 
northward  from  Imbituba  to  Massiambu,  while  another  branch  is  under  construction  from 
Tubarao  south  to  Ararangua  near  the  boundary  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul.  All  these  towns  are 


SANTA  CATH ARINA 


343 


situated  in  a fertile  zone,  and  under  favor- 
able circumstances  are  destined  to  become 
rich  and  prosperous  cities.  Laguna  has  a 
population  of  about  twenty-five  thousand, 
and  is  well  situated,  overlooking  Laguna 
Bay  on  one  side  and  the  Atlantic  Ocean 
on  the  other.  It  appears  to  have  been  the 
site  of  a very  ancient  population,  judging 
from  the  immense  shell-mound,  or  sam- 
baqui,  of  prehistoric  construction  which  is 
piled  up  near  the  ocean.  All  along  the 
coast  of  Santa  Catharina  similar  formations 
are  found,  notably  at  the  picturesque  little 
harbor  of  Porto  Bello,  about  thirty  miles 
south  of  Itajahy,  which  has  further  inter- 
est for  the  archaeologist  because  of  the 
peculiar  hieroglyphics  that  mark  the  sea- 
front of  the  little  rocky  island  of  Joao  de  Cunha  in  this  harbor.  A few  miles  north 
of  Massiambu  is  situated  the  city  of  Sao  Jose,  immediately  opposite  the  State  capital  of 
Florianopolis  with  which  it  is  connected  by  ferry  boat,  as  are  also  the  towns  of  Palhoga, 
Biguassu,  Tijucas,  and  other  coast  ports.  Near  Palhopa  are  the  thermal  springs  known 
as  Caldas  da  Imperatriz. 


THE  CATHEDRAL.  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


VIEW  OF  FLORIANOPOLIS  FROM  THE  BAY. 


344 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


Florianopolis,  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina,  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque 
cities  of  Brazil.  It  is  situated  on  the  island  of  Santa  Catharina,  under  the  shelter  of  a back- 
ground of  hills,  green  with  verdure  and  presenting  varied  aspects,  as  they  rise  gracefully 
from  the  water’s  edge  to  a height  of  from  one  thousand  to  three  thousand  feet,  under  the 
clearest  of  skies  and  surrounded  by  the  blue  waters  of  the  Atlantic.  The  city  faces  the 
mainland,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a strait  about  five  miles  in  width.  The  entire 
island  is  a garden  of  beauty,  its  sunny  hillsides  bright  with  the  blossoms  of  many  fruits, 

its  valleys  rich  in  the  varied 
hues  of  flowers  and  shrubs,  its 
lanes  shaded  by  the  branches 
of  towering  trees  and  redo- 
lent of  the  perfume  from  bor- 
dering hedges.  A drive  from 
the  city  to  the  island’s  south- 
ern limits  is  a pleasure  never 
to  be  forgotten,  so  beautiful 
is  the  scenery,  so  charming  is 
every  expression  of  nature  in 
this  favored  spot.  The  city 
has  a population  of  thirty  thou- 
sand people  and  is  well  laid 
out,  with  paved  streets,  parks 
and  houses  of  solid  construc- 
tion. The  palace  of  the  gov- 
ernor is  a handsome  modern 
structure  of  white  stone,  the 
interior  finished  in  hardwood 
from  native  forests  and  har- 
moniously and  elegantly  fur- 
nished. The  Charity  Hospital, 
“Santa  Casa,”  is  a spacious 
and  well-appointed  institution, 
occupying  a favorable  site  on  the  hillside  in  full  view  of  the  harbor.  In  addition  to  the 
hospital  there  are  many  charities  maintained  by  benevolent  societies  connected  with  the 
churches.  A beautiful  sentiment  inspired  the  ladies  of  Florianopolis  to  found  an  “Associagao 
das  Damas  de  Caridad”  on  May  j,  1907,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  medicine  and  food 
to  the  sick  poor,  of  clothing  indigent  children  and  of  meeting  other  demands  of  the  helpless 
and  suffering  who  are  not  reached  through  the  established  charities.  The  city  has  a cathe- 
dral and  several  beautiful  churches,  a theatre,  and  many  schools  for  primary  and  secondary 
instruction,  with  colleges  for  more  advanced  courses.  A well-furnished  public  library 


SANTA  CATHARINA 


MS 

is  one  of  its  progressive  institutions.  In  the  residence  section  are  many  beautiful 
private  houses,  some  of  them  picturesquely  situated  in  the  midst  of  luxuriant  verdure, 
surrounded  by  gardens  and 
overlooking  the  sea. 

As  the  chief  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, Florianopolis  is  the 
most  important  city  of  the 
State.  It  is  the  headquarters 
for  foreign  commerce  and 
ships  from  all  countries  visit 
its  ports.  Steamers  of  the 
Lloyd  Brazileiro  and  the  Cos- 
teira  lines  call  twice  a week 
each  way,  and  European  steam- 
ers of  the  Hamburg-American 
and  other  lines  are  frequently 
seen  in  this  harbor.  As  yet 
the  country  has  not  reaped  the  full  benefit  of  its  wonderful  resources,  though  the  annual 
exports  are  valued  at  nearly  three  million  dollars  gold  and  the  imports  at  half  that 
total,  the  custom  house  receipts  amounting  to  half  a million  dollars  annually.  Within 
the  past  few  years  the  State  of  Santa  Catharina,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  Brazil,  has  begun 
a new  era  of  progress  and  enterprise,  and  the  result  is  seen  in  every  branch  of  public 
interest,  social,  industrial,  and  commercial.  Ever  since  the  inauguration  of  the  republic 
this  State  has  been  developing  in  political  and  commercial  importance,  due  to  the  patriotic 
efforts  of  its  great  men,  among  whom  its  first  republican  governor,  Dr.  Lauro  Muller 


THE  CUSTOM  HOUSE,  FLORIANOPOLIS. 


LAKE  AT  BLUMENAU,  SANTA  CATHARINA. 


holds  a place  of  especial  honor,  not  only  for  what  he  has  done  for  his  own  State  but 
for  all  Brazil.  The  present  chief  executive  is  Dr.  Gustavo  Richard,  a statesman  of  high 


THE  NEIT  BRAZIL 


346 


A PICTURESQUE  CASCADE  IN  SANTA  CATHARINA. 


principles  and  good  judgment,  whose  administration  is  marked  by  continued  progress  and 
advancement.  His  efforts  have  been  directed  with  equal  interest  and  determination  to  every 
department  of  the  government,  and  the  reports  of  his  secretaries  show  that  this  activity 
has  been  productive  of  good  results  to  the  political,  educational,  and  industrial  welfare  of 
the  State. 


DR.  BLUMENAU  STREET,  SHOWING  THE  NEW  PUBLIC  SCHOOL,  BLUMENAU. 


PRACA  GENERAL  DEODORO.  PORTO  ALEGRE.  SHOWING  TREASURY  BUILDING  AND  THEATRE. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


DIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL  is  one  of  the 
1 ^ most  important  States  of  the  Brazilian 
Union,  and  none  has  been  more  prominent 
in  the  political  affairs  of  the  nation  than  this 
border  province,  which  covers  an  area  of  nine 
thousand  square  leagues,  bounded  on  the 
north  and  west  by  the  Uruguay  River,  by 
the  Atlantic  Ocean  on  the  east,  and  by  the 
republic  of  Uruguay  on  the  south.  Originally 
this  territory  belonged  to  the  disputed  pos- 
sessions on  the  banks  of  the  Uruguay  which 
were  claimed  by  both  Spain  and  Portugal, 
and  it  was  the  scene  of  continued  warfare 
for  many  years.  During  these  troublous 
periods,  the  people  developed  a spirit  of 
a church  in  porto  alegre.  military  valor  and  unyielding  independence 

that  found  expression  in  many  noble  deeds 
of  patriotism.  Many  of  the  nation’s  most  distinguished  generals  were  cradled  in  this 
State,  which  gave  to  Brazil  the  immortal  hero  General  Bittencourt,  and  the  invincible 
leader  General  Osorio.  For  many  years  the  records  of  military  glory  eclipsed  the  annals 
of  more  prosaic  achievements  in  industrial  development,  though  in  the  intervals  of  quiet 
that  marked  the  history  of  the  country  after  it  became  a province  of  the  empire  in  1822,  and 
especially  during  the  government  of  its  first  president,  Viscount  de  Sao  Leopoldo,  great 
advancement  was  made  in  colonization,  education,  and  the  charitable  associations  that  are 
always  indicative  of  social  progress.  The  greatest  development  of  the  vast  resources  of  this 
State  has  been  accomplished  within  a comparatively  short  time.  At  the  present  rate  of 
progress  there  is  no  limit  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  in  store  for  the  enterprising  people 


349 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


3?° 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  PORTO  ALEGRE,  CAPITAL  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


who  now  control  an  important  share  of  the  commercial  interests  of  Brazil  and  are  annually 
extending  the  trade  of  their  State. 

Rio  Grande  do  Sul  is  the  southernmost  State  of  the  republic.  The  Serra  do  Mar,  or 
Serra  Geral,  as  this  coast  range  is  called  in  the  more  southern  sections  of  Brazil,  divides  the 
interior  from  the  coast  as  in  all  the  States  through  which  it  passes;  but  the  coast  region  of 

Rio  Grande  do  Sul  differs  from 
that  of  the  more  northern  States, 
for  it  consists  largely  of  lakes 
and  lagoons;  the  principal  of 
these,  the  Lagoa  dos  Patos,  is 
about  a hundred  and  fifty  miles 
long  by  thirty  miles  wide,  and 
is  navigable  by  ocean  ves- 
sels, though  at  some  seasons, 
when  the  tide  is  low,  delays 
are  occasioned  by  the  sand- 
banks. Picturesquely  situated 
in  this  lagoon  stands  the  Ita— 
poan  lighthouse  to  guide  the 
pilots  taking  ships  to  the  vari- 
ous ports.  In  addition  to  the 

INTERIOR  OF  THE  GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  PORTO  ALEGRE.  Tange  that  extends  alOllg  the 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


coast,  there  is  a series  of  serras 
crossing  the  State  from  the 
Serra  do  Mar,  at  a point  near 
the  northern  extremity  of  the 
Lagoa  dos  Patos,  to  the  western 
boundary;  this  range  divides 
the  interior  of  the  State  into 
two  natural  regions:  the  north- 
ern, which  is  watered  by  in- 
numerable tributaries  flowing 
northward  into  the  river  Uru- 
guay, which  marks  the  State 
boundary  line;  and  the  south- 
ern, traversed  by  the  lower 
tributaries  that  flow  west  to 
join  the  Uruguay,  and  also  by 
the  rivers  that  flow  east  into 

the  Lagoa  dos  Patos,  principally  the  Jacuhy,  Taquary,  and  Camaquam.  The  northern 
section  of  the  State  is  covered  with  vast  and  fertile  campos,  or  plains,  and  sertoes,  or 
woodlands.  Valuable  mineral  deposits  have  been  located  in  this  region  which  is,  however, 


THE  DOCKS  AT  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


THE  MUNICIPAL  THEATRE,  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


particularly  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  cattle  raising  and  wheat  growing.  The  southern 
part  of  the  State  has  heretofore  possessed  more  available  conditions  for  industrial  growth 
than  the  northern  districts,  and  is  generally  cultivated.  Two  lines  of  railway  cross  it 
from  the  sea  coast  to  the  Uruguay  River,  and  numerous  agricultural  colonies  have  been 
established  in  the  most  favorable  localities.  The  State  is  rich  in  all  kinds  of  minerals; 
though  the  coal  mines  in  the  southeast,  and  the  copper,  gold,  and  other  minerals,  have 
been  worked  only  to  a limited  extent.  Gold  has  been  found  at  Lavras  and  Sao  Sepe,  in  the 
southern  region,  a few  leagues  from  the  capital,  and  in  the  rivers  that  water  these  districts. 


\ 


A STREET  SCENE  IN  THE  CAPITAL. 


Copper  abounds  in  tire  Serra  de  Cagapava,  a spur  of  the  coast  range  which  runs  east 
and  west  through  the  central  section.  Silver  and  lead  are  among  the  minerals  taken  by 
the  Vista  Alegre  Gold  Mining  Company  from  their  mines  at  Lavras.  In  the  Serra  do  Herval, 
which  forms  part  of  the  range  that  extends  westward  from  the  Serra  do  Mar,  under  the 
names  Caqapava,  Encruzilada  and  Herval,  rich  deposits  of  mica  have  been  discovered,  and 
in  the  Serra  da  Cruzilada  there  are  large  quantities  of  manganese.  Nickel  has  been  found 
at  San  Luiz  and  cobalt  at  Passo  Fundo,  in  the  north. 

Near  Porto  Alegre,  at  Arroio  dos  Ratos,  coal  mines  have  been  worked  on  a small  scale  for 
many  years,  and  in  1896  the  output  was  more  than  sixteen  thousand  tons.  But  the  mines 
have  never  been  thoroughly  explored,  nor  have  they  been  worked  to  their  full  present 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


3S3 

capacity.  Petroleum  has  also  been  discovered  in  this  vicinity,  and  with  the  investment  of 
sufficient  capital  to  develop  the  industry,  it  would  prove  one  of  the  most  important  interests 
of  Brazil.  Precious  stones  are  found  in  the  northern  region,  including  diamonds,  on  the  Ijuhy 
River,  a branch  of  the  Uruguay;  amethysts  at  Passo  Fundo;  and  an  abundance  of  agates, 
onyx,  jasper,  and  chalcedony  in  various  districts.  These  stones  are  shipped  to  Germany  for 
lapidation.  Marble  in  abundance  and  of  a superb  quality  is  found  in  the  valleys  of  the  Caga- 
pava  and  Encruzilada  range,  and  in  the  Jaguarao  valley  near  the  southern  border  of  the  State. 

The  chief  revenue  of  the  State  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  is  derived  from  the  pasture  lands, 
upon  which  graze  thousands  of  herds.  The  “ Rio  Grandense,”  as  a native  of  this  State  is 


THE  MUNICIPAL  CHAMBER,  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


called,  is,  like  the  typical  Texan  of  the  United  States,  first  of  all  a ranchman.  His  vast  cattle 
ranges  cover  the  southern  campos;  and  although  the  foreign  colonies  have  invaded  all  other 
sections  of  the  State,  they  are  few  in  number  in  this  region,  which  is  divided  up  into 
estancias  or  ranches  for  cattle  raising  purposes  exclusively.  The  campos  or  prairie  lands 
cover  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  area  of  the  State,  and  an  estancia  varies  in  extent  from  one 
to  six  square  leagues. 

The  great  xarqueados , or  slaughtering  establishments  where  the  dried  beef,  called  xarque , 
is  prepared  for  market,  present  an  interesting,  though  uninviting  appearance,  when  the  beef- 
drying process  is  going  on.  All  xarque  is  dried  in  the  sun,  and  an  extensive  area  is  covered 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


3*4 

with  the  racks  on  which  the  beef  is  suspended  until  ready  for  shipment.  The  dried  beef 
exports  amount  annually  to  more  than  six  million  dollars  in  value,  the  town  of  Pelotas  alone 


THE  PORTUGUESE  HOSPITAL  AND  CHURCH,  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


disposing  of  half  a million  head  of  cattle  for  this  purpose.  In  addition  to  the  wealth  derived 
from  the  cattle  ranches,  the  State  receives  a large  revenue  from  the  export  of  tobacco, 
leather,  wool,  cotton,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

The  climate  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  is  moderate  and  agreeable,  the  four  seasons  being 
sufficiently  pronounced  to  affect  the  process  of  agriculture,  as  in  all  temperate  zones. 
Summer  is  at  its  height  in  January,  February  and  March;  autumn  begins  in  April  and  lasts 
till  June;  then  winter  sets  in  and  extends  through  July,  August  and  September;  the  spring 
season  is  from  October  to  December.  In  winter  the  cold  wind  from  the  Andes  causes 
freezing  weather,  and  in  the  more  elevated  regions  of  the  State  the  winter  is  intensely  cold, 
the  lakes  freeze  over,  and  snow  falls;  in  summer  the  heat  is  extreme,  especially  in  the 
northern  sections,  the  temperature  sometimes  rising  to  forty  degrees  centigrade.  The  State 
is  renowned  for  the  salubrity  of  its  climate,  malaria  being  practically  unknown  even  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  lakes  and  rivers. 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


35? 


Rio  Grande  do  Sul  has  one  million  five  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  being  the  fifth 
among  the  Brazilian  States  in  density  of  population,  though  only  the  tenth  in  area.  The  State 
is  traversed  by  several  lines 


THE  LYCEUM  AND  PUBLIC  LIBRARY.  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


of  railway,  the  most  important 
being  the  Porto  Alegre  and  Uru- 
guayana,  which  extends  from 
Porto  Alegre,  the  capital  of  the 
State,  westward  to  the  Uruguay 
River,  and  has  a branch  line 
southward  from  the  station  of 
Cacequy  to  the  city  of  Bage, 
covering,  in  all,  a distance  of 
several  hundred  miles.  A trip 
over  this  line  takes  one  through 
the  central  part  of  the  State  and 
affords  an  opportunity  to  judge 
of  the  advantages  for  success- 
ful colonization  which  are  pre- 
sented in  the  healthful  climate  and  fertile  soil  of  this  favored  region.  Prosperous  farming 
communities  are  located  at  various  points  along  this  railway  between  Porto  Alegre  and  Bage 
and  also  along  the  Santa  Maria  and  Uruguay  railway,  which  extends  northward  from  the 
station  of  Santa  Maria,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Porto  Alegre  and  Uruguayana  to  Cruz  Alta 

and  Passo  Fundo,  a distance  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 
From  Passo  Fundo  this  line  is 
being  constructed  to  the  north- 
ern border  of  the  State,  where 
it  will  meet  the  extension  of 
the  Sao  Paulo  and  Rio  Grande 
railway  and  form  a section  of 
the  great  southern  Brazilian 
system.  From  Bage  to  the  port 
of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  railway 
facilities  are  afforded  by  the  Rio 
Grande  and  Bage  line,  which 
connects  these  two  cities,  two 
hundred  miles  apart.  Shorter 
lines  connect  the  capital  with 
important  colonies.  The  Porto  Alegre  and  Novo  Hamburgo  line,  which  is  the  chief  means  of 
transportation  between  Porto  Alegre  and  the  colonies  of  Sao  Leopoldo  and  Novo  Flamburgo, 


RUA  MARECHAL  PEIXOTO,  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


K6 

is  the  oldest  railway  in  the  State,  having  been  opened  to  traffic  in  1874.  An  extension  of 
this  line  to  Taquara,  thirty  miles  beyond,  was  recently  built  by  an  association  of  Porto 
Alegre  capitalists.  The  Quarahy  and  Uruguayana  railway  extends  along  the  bank  of  the 
Uruguay  River  for  a distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  All  these  railways  have  a 
gauge  of  one  metre,  and  the  cars  and  locomotives  are  of  North  American  manufacture.  The 
State  has  a thousand  miles  of  railways  in  operation  and  new  lines  are  under  construction. 

Porto  Alegre  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  important  cities  of  southern  Brazil.  Situated 
on  the  left  bank  of  the  Guahyba  River,  near  the  northern  extremity  of  the  Lagoa  dos 
Patos,  or  Duck  Lagoon,  the  capital  is  the  commercial  and  industrial  centre  of  a fertile 
territory  covering  thousands  of  square  miles.  It  is  built  on  a picturesque  promontory 
jutting  out  into  the  river  from  the  eastern  bank  and  facing  a narrow  passage  at  the 
estuary  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  Jacuhy  and  the  Guahyba  rivers.  The  lagoon  is 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  long  and  thirty  miles  wide,  and  owing  to  a number  of  tanas, 

or  shallow  places,  it  is  navigable  only  for 
steamers  of  light  draught ; but  with  the  sys- 
tem of  dredging  which  the  government  is 
inaugurating,  it  will  be  kept  in  such  a condi- 
tion that  all  ships  that  call  at  the  port  of  Rio 
Grande  do  Sul  may  pass  on  up  the  lagoon  to 
the  State  capital.  This  trip  is  very  interesting 
and  agreeable  to  travellers,  who  thus  have  an 
opportunity  to  see  something  of  the  country. 
After  leaving  the  city  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul, 
at  the  entrance  to  the  lagoon,  the  steamer 
bound  for  Porto  Alegre  makes  its  only  inter- 
mediate call  at  Pelotas,  which  is  also  situated 
at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  lake,  near 
the  mouth  of  the  river  Sao  Gongalo.  Leaving  Pelotas,  the  view  for  a considerable  distance 
is  confined  to  flat  fields  on  which  are  the  various  establishments  for  the  preparation  of 
xarque.  Row  after  row,  the  strips  into  which  the  beef  is  cut  when  hung  to  dry  in  the 
sun  extend  for  miles  along  the  border  of  the  river.  As  the  steamer  continues  northward, 
the  green  pasture  lands  may  be  seen,  with  the  Serra  do  Mar  to  the  west.  Belem  Novo, 
Belem  Velho,  and  Tristeza  are  picturesque  suburbs  of  Porto  Alegre  that  appear  to  view  as 
the  steamer  approaches  the  port,  after  having  passed  the  Itapoan  lighthouse  and  the  pretty 
little  port  of  Pedras  Brancas,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  lagoon.  The  city  of  Porto  Alegre 
was  originally  settled,  in  1742,  by  colonists  from  the  Azores,  who  gave  it  the  name  of  Porto 
dos  Casaes,  which  was  changed  thirty  years  later  to  its  present  name,  Porto  Alegre  [the 
Joyful  Port].  The  foundation  of  its  commercial  prosperity  was  laid  when  large  colonies  of 
Germans  were  established  there  after  the  Prussian  revolution  of  1848.  The  city  numbers  a 
hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  of  whom  nearly  one-fourth  are  of  German  descent.  It  is 


THE  SCHOOL  OF  ENGINEERING,  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


3S7 


metropolitan  in  appearance,  having  broad, 
well-paved  streets,  handsome  public  build- 
ings, large  business  houses,  and  attractive  resi- 
dences and  parks;  electricity  and  gas  are  used 
for  lighting  purposes,  and  the  waterworks 
system  is  excellent.  Two  street  car  lines 
connect  the  central  district  with  the  suburbs, 
and  a new  electric  car  system  is  under  con- 
struction, which,  when  completed,  will  give 
to  the  city  a street  car  service  unsurpassed 
for  comfort  and  rapid  transit  facilities. 

The  spirit  of  enterprise  is  especially  to  be 
seen  in  the  modern  public  buildings,  which 
are  among  the  finest  in  Brazil.  The  Municipal 
Chamber,  or  City  Hall,  is  a magnificent  struc- 
ture occupying  a favorable  site  in  the  central 
part  of  the  city  and  facing  the  public  square. 

It  stands  close  to  the  river  bank  and  is  one  of  the  attractive  features  of  the  city  as  seen 
from  the  harbor.  Built  of  the  stone  of  the  country,  its  beautiful  faqade  is  supported  and 
ornamented  with  marble  pillars  hewn  from  native  quarries.  The  School  of  Engineering,  the 


A CENTRAL  THOROUGHFARE  OF  PELOTAS,  STATE  OF 
RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


ENTRANCE  TO  THE  PARK.  PELOTAS. 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


3*8 


Catholic  Seminary,  the  Military  School,  the  Portuguese  Hospital,  and  the  Public  Library  are 
among  the  more  important  institutions.  The  cathedral  is  a handsome  edifice,  and  the  munici- 
pal theatre  is  spacious  and  of  modern  construction.  Not  only  is  Porto  Alegre  the  largest  city 
of  the  State  and  important  as  the  political  centre,  but  its  industrial  progress  is  notable.  The 
commerce  of  the  State  is  conducted  chiefly  through  large  firms  of  Porto  Alegre  who  have 
branch  houses  in  the  northern  parts  of  Brazil,  in  Argentina  and  in  Europe.  Trade  is  regulated 
by  Chambers  of  Commerce  in  the  principal  cities,  the  leading  merchants  meeting  therein  to 
discuss  business  and  fix  current  prices.  The  Banco  da  Provincia  and  the  Banco  do  Com- 
mercio  of  Porto  Alegre,  with  branches  in  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  and  Pelotas,  are  the  most  impor- 
tant financial  institutions,  though  in  the  capital  are  also  branch  establishments  of  the  London 
and  Brazilian  Bank,  Limited,  and  the  German  Bank,  which  have  headquarters  at  Rio  Grande 

do  Sul.  Complete  telegraphic 
communication  is  maintained 
between  the  capital  and  all 
towns  of  importance,  the 
system  covering  three  thou- 
sand miles,  and  connecting 
sixty  stations.  The  tele- 
phone has  become  one  of 
the  necessities  not  only  of 
Porto  Alegre  but  of  all  the 
other  important  cities,  and 
long  distance  lines  connect 
them  with  each  other  and 
with  neighboring  colonies. 

The  chief  seaport  of  the 
State  is  Rio  Grande  do  Sul, 
situated  at  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  the  Lagoa  dos  Patos,  where  a narrow  strait  connects  the  lagoon  with  the  ocean. 
It  lies  on  a sandy  peninsula  and  is  the  port  of  entrance  for  all  vessels  to  Pelotas  and  Porto 
Alegre.  Two  lines  of  coasting  steamers  furnish  a weekly  service  between  Rio  de  Janeiro 
and  Porto  Alegre,  the  Lloyd  Brazileiro  and  the  Costeira,  though  the  coasting  ships  of  the 
former  are  too  large  to  make  the  trip  up  the  lagoon  from  Rio  Grande  to  Porto  Alegre,  so 
the  passengers  are  transferred  at  the  seaport  to  a small  lake  steamer.  Besides  these  two 
lines  passengers  are  also  carried  by  many  companies  engaged  in  the  coast  trade,  though 
they  have  no  regular  itinerary.  Foreign  steamships  of  the  Hamburg-American  and  other 
lines  make  regular  trips  to  this  port,  though  the  sand-bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor 
has  long  been  a drawback  to  the  foreign  trade  of  the  State.  Fortunately,  owing  to  the 
activity  of  the  government  and  the  progressive  policy  that  makes  itself  felt  in  every 
branch  of  the  administration,  the  work  of  securing  a passage  thirty-three  feet  deep 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


over  the  bar,  in  order  to  afford 
entrance  to  ships  of  large  ton- 
nage at  all  times  of  the  year, 
has  been  placed  in  the  hands  of 
expert  harbor  engineers,  who 
have  begun  the  operations  and 
will  carry  them  to  completion 
without  delay.  When  this  great 
enterprise  is  finished  the  com- 
merce of  the  State  and  the  im- 
portance of  the  seaport  of  Rio 
Grande  do  Sul  will  be  greatly 
augmented.  The  city  has  a 
population  of  twenty-five  thou- 
sand, is  beautified  by  several 
parks,  and  the  streets,  though  generally  narrow,  following  the  old  Portuguese  style,  are 
well-paved  and  excellently  lighted.  A street  car  line  connects  the  city  with  its  suburbs. 
In  the  Praga  Tamandare,  the  most  beautiful  public  garden  of  the  State,  a marble  column 
commemorates  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves  in  Brazil.  Facing  this  garden  are  some  of  the 
important  public  buildings,  the  Intendencia,  the  Quartel,  the  Post  Office,  the  Custom  House, 
the  Beneficencia  Portuguesa,  and  the  Public  Library,  with  its  spacious  reading  room  and  its 

corridors  filled  with  books,  numbering  be- 
tween thirty  thousand  and  forty  thousand 
volumes.  Probably  no  city  south  of  Sao 
Paulo  has  a library  so  well  selected  and 
arranged,  and  possessing  so  many  books  of 
great  value.  Visitors  to  Rio  Grande  enjoy 
a halt  in  this  interesting  place,  where  they 
find  not  only  a fine  collection  of  books  but 
also  all  the  leading  periodicals  of  the  day. 
The  founder  of  the  library  was  Dr.  Joao 
Barbosa  Coelho,  and  the  Viscount  Pinto  da 
Rocha  contributed  most  liberally  toward  its 
maintenance  out  of  his  large  fortune.  A 
very  valuable  and  rare  work  is  the  complete 
set,  sixty  volumes,  of  Flora  Brasiliensis  by 
Martius.  A numismatic  collection  is  one  of 
the  interesting  features  of  the  library.  The 
director,  Dr.  Carlos  Alberto  Miller,  is  a biblio- 
phile and  a litterateur. 


THE  LANDING  PLACE.  PORT  OF  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


A VIEW  OF  THE  PUBLIC  GARDEN,  RIO 
GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


360 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  churches,  schools  and  charitable  institutions  of  the  city  occupy  spacious  and  com- 
modious buildings  which  speak  well  for  the  character  of  the  community.  Although  the 
Roman  Catholic  is  the  popular  form  of  worship  in  this  State,  yet  there  is  the  utmost  religious 
freedom,  and  churches  of  various  denominations  are  established  in  the  different  towns. 
The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  has  many  communicants  and  the  Presbyterians  and 
Methodists  are  also  well  represented.  The  Roman  Catholic  Church  maintains  several  noble 
charities,  which  occupy  much  of  the  time  of  the  ladies.  The  hospital  Santa  Casa  de  Miser- 
cordia,  under  the  direction  of  the  Sisters  of  S.  Francisco  de  Assis,  takes  charge  of  a thousand 
patients  during  the  year,  and  the  Orphans’  Asylum,  which  is  directed  by  the  Sisters  of  the 
Heart  of  Mary,  a Brazilian  order,  provides  a home  and  instruction  to  the  unfortunates  for 
whom  it  is  intended.  Under  the  present  administration,  the  interests  of  education  have  been 
greatly  advanced,  the  Intendente,  Dr.  Juvenal  Octaviano  Miller,  devoting  especial  attention  to 
public  instruction.  The  industrial  progress  of  the  city  is  shown  by  the  flourishing  condition 
of  its  various  manufacturing  enterprises,  especially  its  woollen  mills,  which  are  among  the 
most  important  in  Brazil.  Pelotas,  the  second  city  of  the  State  in  population,  has  forty 
thousand  inhabitants,  and  is  only  a few  miles  distant  from  the  seaport  of  Rio  Grande  do 
Sul,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  railway.  It  is  a rich  and  prosperous  city,  with  handsome 
public  buildings,  fine  residences,  and  beautiful  parks,  and  presents  a general  appearance  of 
well-being  and  comfort.  Its  greatest  source  of  revenue  is  the  xarque,  though  it  has  factories 
of  various  kinds,  and  its  breweries  are  the  best  in  Brazil.  A very  important  enterprise  is 
the  patent  medicine  establishment  owned  by  the  Viscount  de  Souza  Soares,  located  near  the 
entrance  to  the  Parque  Pelotense,  which  is  his  handsome  gift  to  the  city  of  Pelotas.  The 

park  covers  an  extensive  area 
and  is  a favorite  resort,  being 
easily  reached  by  street  car  from 
any  part  of  the  city.  The  clubs 
of  Pelotas  are  features  of  social 
life  which  by  their  elegance  and 
comfort  afford  additional  evi- 
dence of  its  prosperity. 

The  oldest  foreign  colony, 
which,  however,  is  no  longer 
foreign,  as  its  ten  thousand  in- 
habitants are  principally  of  Bra- 
zilian birth  and  in  many  cases 
of  Brazilian  parentage,  is  the 
prosperous  municipality  of  Sao 
Leopoldo,  twenty  miles  from 
the  State  capital,  on  the  line  of  the  New  Hamburg  railway,  and  in  the  heart  of  one  of  the 
richest  districts  in  the  State.  It  supports  several  industries,  and  is  an  attractive  place  of 


MISERICORDIA  HOSPITAL,  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL 


361 


residence;  its  two  colleges,  the  Collegio  Sao  Jose,  founded  in  1869,  which  has  three  hundred 
boys  in  attendance,  and  a girls’  school,  established  in  1872,  which  has  two  hundred  and  fifty 
pupils,  are  among  the  best  edu- 
cational institutions  in  the  State. 

The  colony  was  founded  in 
1824,  and  was  peopled  by  Ger- 
man immigrants,  who  brought 
to  their  new  home  the  frugal 
and  industrious  habits  learned 
in  the  fatherland. 

Most  of  the  colonies  are 
either  of  German  or  Italian  ori- 
gin. Bento  Gongalves,  a settle- 
ment covering  forty  thousand 
acres,  and  peopled  chiefly  by 
Italians,  exports  annually  a mil- 
lion dollars’ worth  of  agricultural 
products.  It  has  a population 
of  twenty  thousand  and  is 
growing  rapidly.  Jaguary,  in 
the  western  part  of  the  State,  covering  thirty  thousand  acres,  and  having  a population  of 
fifteen  thousand,  exports  cereals  annually  to  the  value  of  half  a million  dollars;  and  Guapore, 
which  was  founded  in  1900,  produced  as  its  second  year’s  harvest  cereals,  etc.,  valued  at  four 
hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars.  With  increased  railway  facilities  the  agricultural  com- 
munities are  not  only  gaining  wealth,  but  are  enjoying  the  advantages  of  more  general  social 
intercourse,  with  its  refining  and  broadening  influence.  The  progress  of  some  of  the  most 
important  towns  of  the  State  began  with  the  inauguration  of  the  railway,  which  stimulated 
enterprise  and  competition  between  cities  formerly  so  widely  separated  from  each  other  and 
so  inaccessible  from  the  seaport,  as  to  have  little  incentive  for  enterprising  endeavor.  Uru- 
guayana,  situated  on  the  western  frontier,  has  developed  greatly  since  the  extension  of  the 
railway  from  Porto  Alegre  and  Alegrete;  and  Bage,  the  most  important  city  of  the  interior, 
has  multiplied  its  industry  and  commerce  many  times  over  since  the  establishment  of  the 
railway  from  Porto  Alegre  to  Pelotas  and  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  has  given  service  to  this 
city,  which  has  many  important  public  buildings,  churches,  and  hospitals,  and  a population 
of  eighteen  thousand. 

Public  instruction  in  Rio  Grande,  as  in  most  Brazilian  States,  is  under  the  supervision  of 
a general  inspector  assisted  by  a number  of  district  inspectors.  The  school  population  is 
about  fifty  thousand,  the  primary  schools  numbering  one  thousand,  and  providing  instruc- 
tion for  thirty-eight  thousand  children  of  both  sexes.  There  is  a growing  tendency  to 
devote  the  greatest  amount  of  attention  to  primary  schools  with  a view  to  broadening  the 


TAMANDARE  PARK,  RIO  GRANDE  DO  SUL. 


362 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


scope  of  educational  work  and  giving  to  all  classes  a share  in  the  blessings  of  instruction. 
The  government  of  the  State  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul  is  carried  on  in  accordance  with  the 
principles  of  liberty  as  expressed  in  the  State  constitution,  promulgated  in  1891.  The 
president  is  elected  for  five  years  by  direct  general  vote,  and  the  vice-president  is  chosen 
and  nominated  by  the  president.  Three  secretaries  assist  the  president  as  heads  of  the 
Departments  of  Finance,  the  Interior,  and  Public  Works,  respectively. 

The  first  constitutional  president  of  the  State  was  Dr.  Julio  Prates  de  Castilhos,  one  of 
the  greatest  men  this  State  has  given  to  the  republic;  he  was  inaugurated  in  January  1893, 
and  to  his  efforts  the  successful  political  organization  of  the  State  was  largely  due.  In 
his  death  on  October  24,  1903,  Brazil  was  called  to  mourn  one  of  her  greatest  and  most 
capable  statesmen.  The  present  President,  Dr.  Antonio  Augusto  Borges  de  Medeiros,  was 
elected  in  1898  to  succeed  Dr.  Castilhos,  and  his  government  proved  so  satisfactory  that  he 
was  reelected  in  1903  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  people.  Under  his  administration,  the 
progress  of  the  State  has  been  uninterrupted,  and  its  industries  and  trade  have  notably 
increased.  The  State  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  while  making  rapid  strides  forward  in  com- 
mercial importance,  is  not  neglectful  of  the  intellectual  graces  that  give  to  society  its  finest 
charm.  Not  only  have  great  generals  claimed  as  their  native  place  the  green  hillsides  and 
flourishing  groves  of  this  Brazilian  southland,  but  giants  in  the  arena  of  mental  contest  have 
been  proud  to  point  to  this  favored  country  as  their  beloved  home.  Statesmen,  orators, 
jurists,  celebrated  educators,  and  renowned  journalists  have  gone  out  from  the  Joyful  Port 
to  fight  the  battle  of  life  with  proud  purpose  and  steady  principle,  and  have  won  the 
applause  of  a grateful  nation  for  contributions  to  science  surpassing  in  value  even  the  more 
dazzling  accomplishments  of  military  glory.  In  the  arts  of  peace,  a spirit  of  determination 
and  a clear-headed  grasp  of  the  situation  are  making  these  people  successful  in  achieving 
the  greatest  industrial  prosperity  for  the  Prairie  State  of  Brazil. 


LIGHTHOUSE  OF  ITAPOAN,  NEAP  PORTO  ALEGRE. 


TABATINGA,  THE  LAST  MILITARY  POST  OF  BRAZIL  ON  THE  PERUVIAN  FRONTIER,  ESTABLISHED  1766. 


CHAPTER  XXII 


THE  NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE,  AND  TRANSPORTATION 

r"FHE  increasing  development  of  the  re- 
1 sources  of  Brazil,  the  improvement  of 
trade  relations,  and  the  extension  of  com- 
merce are  reflected  in  the  growing  importance 
of  the  nation’s  financial  affairs,  the  greater 
quantity  and  variety  of  merchandise  passing 
through  its  ports  annually  and  the  rapid  in- 
crease of  its  transportation  facilities.  Accord- 
ing to  the  budget  of  1907,  the  revenue  of 
Brazil  amounts,  in  milreis,  to  eighty-four 
million  gold  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  million 
paper,  the  expenditure  being  fifty  million  gold 
and  three  hundred  million  paper.  The  princi- 
pal receipts  are  derived  from  duties  on  imports, 
inland  revenue,  and  sundry  or  “extraordinary”  revenue,  in  addition  to  the  redemption,  guar- 
antee, and  sinking  funds.  The  expenditure  of  the  six  ministries  is:  finance,  forty  million  gold 
and  one  hundred  million  paper;  public  works,  six  million  gold  and  eighty  million  paper; 
the  navy,  one  million  gold  and  thirty-five  million  paper;  foreign  affairs,  two  million  gold  and 
one  million  five  hundred  thousand  paper;  war,  one  hundred  thousand  gold  and  sixty  million 
paper;  and  justice  and  interior,  ten  thousand  gold  and  thirty  million  paper.  The  greatest 
expenses  are  those  of  the  finance  department  and  the  department  of  public  works,  the 
former  having  in  charge  all  negotiations  relating  to  the  payment  of  the  national  debt,  which 
amounts  to  a hundred  million  pounds  sterling.  More  than  one-fourth  of  this  amount  was 
borrowed  under  the  empire,  and  of  the  remainder,  eight  million  five  hundred  thousand 
pounds  were  borrowed  in  1903  and  1907  for  the  port  works  and  sanitary  improvements  of 
Rio,  the  balance  being  chiefly  moneys  obtained  to  enable  the  Federal  government  to  secure 
the  control  of  railways  already  built,  and  to  construct  new  lines,  as  well  as  to  promote  other 


3 66 


THE  NEVE  BRAZIL 


public  works  necessary  to  the  economic  development  of  the  country.  The  flourishing 
condition  of  national  industries  and  the  extension  of  commercial  relations  resulting  from 
these  operations  have  placed  the  government  in  a position  to  meet  all  obligations  without 
embarrassment,  and  to  enjoy  permanent  progress  on  the  broad  basis  of  national  enterprise. 

The  most  important  institution  of  credit  in  the  country  is  the  Bank  of  Brazil,  which 
was  founded  by  King  Dom  Joao  VI.  in  1808.  After  passing  through  various  changes  and 
vicissitudes,  it  was  finally  reorganized  under  the  administration  of  President  Rodrigues  Alves, 
whose  finance  minister,  Dr.  Leopoldo  Bulhoes,  established  it  as  a mixed  institution,  man- 
aged by  a board  composed  of  a chairman  and  four  directors.  The  chairman  and  one  of 
the  directors  are  appointed  by  the  Federal  government  and  the  three  other  directors  are 
elected  by  the  shareholders.  The  director  elected  by  the  government  is  in  charge  of  the 
exchange  department.  The  capital  of  the  bank  is  seventy  million  milreis,  of  which  one-third 
is  owned  by  the  government.  The  Bank  of  Brazil  has  the  monopoly  of  the  emission  of 
gold  cheques  for  payment  of  duties  at  the  custom  houses  throughout  Brazil,  amounting 
to  more  than  twelve  million  pounds  sterling,  annually.  Besides  the  Bank  of  Brazil  there 
are  Brazilian,  Portuguese,  English,  German,  and  Italian  banks  of  considerable  importance. 
There  is  no  North  American  bank  in  Brazil,  though  the  increasing  commerce  between  the 
two  countries  would  lead  one  to  suppose  it  would  be  almost  a necessity. 

Although  the  products  of  Brazilian  forests  and  mines  have  been  famous  ever  since 
the  discovery  of  its  rich  dyewood  gave  a name  to  the  country  and  legends  of  eldorado 
brought  adventurers  to  its  wilds  from  all  parts  of  the  globe,  yet  it  is  only  within  a century 
that  Brazilian  commerce  has  competed  with  that  of  other  countries,  its  trade  having  been 
exclusively  with  Portugal  up  to  the  year  1808,  when  the  Regent  Dom  Joao  VI.  issued 
the  edict  which  opened  Brazilian  ports  to  the  commerce  of  all  nations.  During  the  early 
period  that  followed  the  settlement  of  the  capitanias,  and  while  the  first  efforts  were 
being  made  toward  industrial  development,  ships  for  trading  in  Brazil  were  sent  out 
from  the  mother  country  in  fleets,  under  the  protection  of  men-of-war.  Later,  in  the 
seventeenth  century,  a powerful  company  was  formed  in  Lisbon  and  given  practically 
the  monopoly  of  Brazilian  trade;  and  with  armed  vessels  and  marine  regiments  of 
infantry  and  artillery,  this  company  sent  each  year  a large  fleet,  which  started  out  from 
Lisbon  and  Oporto,  went  first  to  Recife  (Pernambuco),  then  to  Bahia  and  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
and  returned  to  Lisbon  with  gold,  sugar,  hides,  tobacco,  and  other  products  of  the  colony. 
In  consequence  of  complaints  made  against  this  monopoly  by  merchants  of  Brazil,  the 
company  was  suppressed  in  1720,  and  although  others  were  subsequently  formed,  they 
finally  met  the  same  fate,  because  of  the  many  evils  they  had  wrought  through  an 
extortionate  monopoly.  An  idea  of  the  enormous  wealth  secured  by  these  companies 
may  be  obtained  from  the  statistics  of  that  period,  which  show  that  in  the  year  1800  the 
value  of  Brazilian  exports  was  twenty  million  dollars  gold  (equal  to  those  of  the  United 
States  at  the  close  of  the  war  of  Independence),  and  the  imports  reached  ten  million 
dollars  in  value. 


NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE , AND  TRANSPORTATION  367 


In  view  of  the  conditions  which  governed  the  politics  of  Europe  a century  ago,  the 
Carta  Regia  of  1808  was  an  extremely  liberal  decree,  and  it  merits  especial  consideration 


ENTRANCE  HALL,  ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  "ARAGUAYA.” 


from  the  fact  that  it  was  issued  seventeen  years  before  Great  Britain  gave  the  right  of 
international  commerce  to  her  subjects  in  the  New  World.  The  Portuguese  sovereign  mani- 
fested the  greatest  desire  to  promote  the  welfare  of  his  American  subjects,  and  the  Carta 
Regia  was  followed  by  royal  decrees  protecting  native  industries  and  seeking  to  increase 
the  wealth  of  the  country.  Further  decrees  announcing  that  the  Inquisition  should  never 
be  established  in  Brazil,  and  that  commerce  in  slaves  should  be  restricted  with  a view  to  its 
final  abolition,  are  evidences  of  the  benign  spirit  and  lofty  sentiment  which  governed  his 
political  ideas.  The  restriction  of  the  coasting  trade  to  national  vessels,  still  a law  of  the 
country,  having  been  adopted  by  the  Republican  Constitution,  was  decreed  by  Dorn 
Joao  VI.  in  1816,  and  confirmed  by  the  Emperor  Dom  Pedro  I.  in  1826.  Although  many 
difficulties  had  to  be  surmounted  before  the  decree  of  1808  produced  the  benefits  for  which 
it  was  intended,  and  it  was  only  by  the  constitution  of  the  empire  that  absolute  commercial 
and  industrial  liberty  was  secured  to  Brazil,  yet  this  act  marked  the  inauguration  of  much 
better  conditions  than  had  previously  existed,  and  opened  the  way  toward  the  great  national 
progress  and  development  which  is  to-day  attracting  the  attention  of  the  civilized  world. 

A great  impetus  was  given  to  the  commerce  of  the  country  during  the  first  years  of 
the  empire  when  the  export  of  coffee  began  to  assume  importance,  and  again  in  the  early 
sixties  when  Brazilian  cotton  was  an  article  greatly  in  demand  in  foreign  markets.  By  the 


3 68 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


opening  of  the  Amazon  and  its  tributaries  to  the  merchant  ships  of  all  nations  in  1867,  the 
Emperor  Dom  Pedro  11.,  carried  out  the  last  provision  of  the  famous  Carta  Regia  of  1808, 
and  greatly  stimulated  foreign  trade  in  that  region.  Since  1862  the  exports  of  Brazil  have 
exceeded  its  imports  annually,  and  both  have  grown  rapidly  within  the  past  twenty  years. 

According  to  the  statistics  of  1906,  Brazil  now  exports  goods  to  the  value  of  two 
hundred  and  sixty  million  dollars  gold,  annually,  the  imports  amounting  to  one  hundred 
and  sixty-three  million  dollars  gold.  The  best  market  for  Brazilian  products  is  the  United 
States,  which,  in  1906,  was  a purchaser  to  the  value  of  ninety-two  million  dollars  gold. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  United  States  takes  only  third  place  among  the  countries  supplying 
the  Brazilian  market,  Great  Britain  ranking  first  and  Germany  second.  During  the  year  1906, 
Brazilian  merchandise  imported  from  Great  Britain  amounted  in  value  to  forty-five  million 
dollars  gold,  and  that  imported  from  Germany  to  twenty-four  million  dollars  gold,  while  the 
imports  from  the  United  States  amounted  to  but  twenty  million  dollars  gold  in  value. 

Although  coffee,  rubber,  and  yerba  mate  at  present  represent  eighty  per  cent  of  the 
total  exports  of  Brazil,  yet  there  is  an  annual  increase  in  the  amount  and  variety  of  other 
products,  due  largely  to  the  constant  extension  and  improvement  of  transportation  facilities. 
Hides,  tobacco,  cotton,  cacao,  sugar,  and  mineral  products  are  exported  in  greater  quantities 
every  year,  and  the  development  of  these  industries  is  progressing  rapidly,  as  new  lands 
are  opened  up  to  colonization  and  cultivation.  Competition  for  Brazilian  trade  is  close 
between  the  United  States  and  Argentina;  the  Brazilian  imports  from  the  United  States 
exceeded  in  value  those  from  Argentina  by  only  two  million  dollars  in  1906,  while  in  1907 
Argentina  supplied  to  Brazil  two  million  dollars’  worth  of  goods  more  than  was  purchased 
from  her  North  American  competitor. 

Brazil  imports  wheat  and  flour  from  the  United  States  and  Argentina,  though  the 
establishment  of  the  milling  industry  at  home  is  lessening  the  amount  of  flour  imported. 
Wines  are  imported  from  France,  Portugal,  Spain  and  Italy,  the  native  vineyards  supplying 
only  a very  small  percentage  of  the  quantity  consumed.  Brazilian  cotton  and  woollen  mills 
are  constantly  reducing  the  amount  of  imported  goods  of  this  class,  though  silk,  linen,  etc., 
are  imported  in  larger  quantities  each  year.  Electric  machinery  and  materials  for  railway 
construction,  including  locomotives,  rails,  cars,  etc.,  are  purchased  chiefly  in  the  United 
States,  which  also  supplies  an  important  share  of  the  arms  and  ammunition  used  by  Brazil, 
though  Belgium,  England,  and  France  also  compete  for  this  trade.  England  supplies  most 
of  the  coal  used  in  Brazil,  though  the  United  States  is  a rising  competitor,  the  quantity  of 
American  coal  sold  to  Brazil  having  more  than  doubled  within  the  past  few  years.  Rich 
coal  fields  have  been  discovered  in  southern  Brazil  which  promise  to  be  an  important 
source  of  supply  for  the  home  market.  France  is  the  favorite  market  for  the  purchase  of 
fashionable  articles  of  apparel,  and  paper  of  various  kinds.  Argentina  competes  with  the 
United  States  in  supplying  canned  goods,  though  France  leads  in  furnishing  many  food 
preparations.  The  United  States  sends  half  a million  cases  of  kerosene  to  Brazil  annually, 
having  almost  a monopoly  of  the  Brazilian  trade  in  this  product. 


NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE , AND  TRANSPORTATION  369 


The  countries  that  have  secured  the  largest  share  of  Brazilian  trade  have  established 
banks  in  Brazil  under  their  own  control,  built  their  own  steamship  lines,  and  opened  in 
various  Brazilian  cities  business  houses  under  the  management  of  their  own  merchants. 
In  building  up  a business  in  Brazil,  the  most  successful  foreign  merchant  is  the  one  who 
establishes  a branch  house  there  and  supplies  it  with  the  goods  which  experience  proves  to 
be  most  salable  according  to  Brazilian  ideas  and  tastes.  One  advantage  which  the  estab- 
lished merchant  possesses  over  the  travelling  salesman  is  in  the  dispatching  of  goods  through 
the  custom  houses,  the  merchants  being  permitted  to  have  their  own  clerks  dispatch  their 


ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  "ARAGUAYA,"  LEAVING  SOUTHAMPTON  FOR  SOUTH  AMERICA. 


goods,  while,  in  other  cases,  an  authorized  despachante  [a  sworn  custom  house  broker], 
working  at  an  established  tariff  of  charges,  must  be  employed. 

A grave  obstacle  to  American  competition  with  European  exporters  to  Brazil  heretofore 
has  been  the  fact  that  freight  rates  to  Brazil  were  higher  from  the  United  States  than  from 
European  ports,  merchants  claiming  that  it  was  cheaper  to  ship  from  North  America  via 
Europe  than  direct  to  Brazil.  The  recent  establishment  of  the  Lloyd  Brasileiro  line  of 
steamers  between  New  York  and  Rio  de  Janeiro  has  changed  this  aspect  of  affairs  and 
American  exporters  are  looking  forward  to  an  increase  of  trade  between  the  United  States 
and  Brazil  as  a result  of  Brazilian  initiative  and  enterprise  in  this  direction.  Within  the 
past  few  months  three  large  passenger  steamers  the  Acre , Ceard,  and  Para,  have  been 
placed  on  the  Rio  and  New  York  service  and  four  more,  the  Sao  Paulo,  Rio  de  Janeiro, 


370 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Minas  Geraes,  and  Bahia , are  under  construction  for  the  same  trade.  In  addition  to  the 
new  steamers  intended  especially  for  the  service  to  North  America,  the  Lloyd  Brazileiro 
Company  is  building  thirteen  new  ships  for  the  coasting  and  river  service  of  Brazil.  The 
largest  steamers  are  of  seven  thousand  tons,  have  an  average  speed  of  sixteen  knots  an 
hour,  and  are  from  the  best  British  shipyards.  The  seven  steamers  destined  for  service 
between  New  York  and  Rio  are  very  attractive,  and  if  not  so  palatial  in  size  as  the  new  liners 
which  the  Royal  Mail  Steamship  Company  has  recently  put  on  the  route  from  South- 
ampton to  Rio  and  Buenos  Aires,  they  are  models  in  artistic  decoration  and  modern  style. 
They  are  provided  with  electric  lights,  electric  fans,  and  all  the  comforts  required  on  a 
voyage  through  the  tropics.  The  cabins  and  saloons  are  spacious,  and  ample  decks  afford 
the  opportunity  for  plenty  of  exercise.  The  grand  salon,  the  music  room,  and  the 
smoking  room  are  furnished  elegantly  and  tastefully,  and  the  cabins  de  luxe,  consisting 
of  parlor,  bedroom,  and  bath  are  most  luxurious  and  attractive.  The  inauguration  of  the 
first  three  of  the  new  “liners”  took  place  in  the  harbor  of  Rio  on  September  2,  1907, 
and  was  an  event  of  great  importance  in  the  history  of  the  merchant  marine  of  Brazil.  In 
response  to  an  invitation  from  Dr.  Buarque  de  Macedo,  the  director  of  the  Lloyd  Brasileiro 
Company,  the  President  of  Brazil,  Dr.  Affonso  Penna,  the  ministers  of  his  cabinet,  and  the 
members  of  the  diplomatic  corps,  as  well  as  the  representative  society  of  the  Brazilian 
capital,  went  on  board  the  new  steamers,  which  were  “dressed”  for  the  occasion,  presenting 
a beautiful  spectacle.  The  Acre  started  on  its  first  trip  to  New  York  two  days  later,  calling 
at  Bahia,  Pernambuco  and  Para,  and  carrying  to  New  York  a large  party  of  tourists.  Many 
North  Americans  made  a trip  to  Brazil  by  this  steamer  on  its  return  voyage.  Tourists  who 
now  flock  to  Europe  for  the  summer  will  no  doubt  take  advantage  of  the  opportunity 
afforded  to  visit  Rio  de  Janeiro,  especially  as  the  summer  months  of  northern  latitudes 
correspond  to  those  of  winter  in  the  southern  continent,  and  Rio  in  winter  is  a paradise. 

The  Royal  Mail  Steam  Packet  Company  began  its  service  to  Brazil  in  1871,  and  in  1872 
doubled  the  number  of  trips  annually,  again  increasing  them  as  the  demand  warranted  it, 
until  at  present  a weekly  service  is  maintained  between  Southampton  and  Brazilian  ports, 
some  of  the  company’s  steamers  being  among  the  finest  afloat.  The  steamer  Avon,  of  eleven 
thousand  tons,  is  the  latest  acquisition  to  the  fleet,  which  has  also  the  Araguaya,  ten  thou- 
sand five  hundred  and  thirty-seven  tons  register,  the  Amazon,  ten  thousand  and  thirty-six 
tons,  and  the  Aragon,  all  new  vessels,  twin-screw,  built  according  to  the  most  approved 
plans,  and  furnished  elegantly,  with  the  idea  of  comfort  paramount  in  all  the  arrangements. 
The  Araguaya,  which  was  christened  by  the  Countess  of  Aberdeen  and  launched  under 
peculiarly  auspicious  circumstances  from  the  Belfast  shipyard  in  1906,  is,  in  its  way,  as 
notable  a departure  in  the  history  of  transatlantic  navigation  as  is  the  great  Lusitania,  since 
on  its  maiden  voyage  it  surpassed  all  previous  records  between  Southampton  and  South 
American  ports  and  was  at  that  time  the  largest  steamer  ever  sent  to  South  America,  though 
the  Avon  now  enjoys  that  distinction.  The  company’s  entire  fleet  is  composed  of  forty- 
two  steamers,  and  its  service  is  divided  into  four  routes:  the  South  American,  with  weekly 


NATIONAL  REVENUE , COMMERCE , AND  TRANSPORTATION 


$7* 

steamers  from  Southampton  calling  at  Cherbourg,  Coruna,  Vigo,  Oporto,  Lisbon,  Madeira, 
St.  Vincent,  Pernambuco,  Bahia,  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Santos,  Montevideo,  and  Buenos  Aires;  the 


RIO  STATION,  CENTRAL  RAILWAY  OF  BRAZIL. 


West  Indian  service  fortnightly  from  Southampton  to  the  West  Indies,  Venezuela,  Colombia, 
and  Panama,  returning  via  Jamaica  and  New  York;  the  Cuba  and  Mexico  line  from  South- 
ampton to  Havana,  Vera  Cruz,  and  Tampico;  and  the  Australia,  Tasmania,  and  New  Zealand 
line  fortnightly  from  London  and  Plymouth,  calling  at  Gibraltar,  Marseilles,  Naples,  Port  Said, 
and  Colombo ; moreover,  “ round  the  world  ” trips  are  arranged  by  various  routes.  Social 
life  on  board  these  steamers  is  particularly  enjoyable.  As  the  calm  seas  of  the  south  Atlantic 
are  conducive  to  general  comfort  and  well-being,  everyone  feels  disposed  to  take  part  in 
the  various  entertainments  provided.  Formerly  it  was  the  prevailing  impression  that  only 
on  the  Oriental  route  were  social  customs  observed  de  rigueur , but  anyone  who  has  made 
the  trip  from  Europe  to  Brazil  on  a Royal  Mail  steamer  must  agree  that  the  balls,  concerts, 
bridge  parties,  tennis,  etc.,  which  make  the  voyage  a round  of  pleasure,  are  occasions  as 
distinguished  for  their  social  features  as  are  those  of  the  famous  lines  to  India  and  Australia. 
The  trip  across  the  north  Atlantic  is  dull  and  commonplace  by  comparison.  The  two  weeks 
passed  on  board  during  a voyage  from  Southampton  to  Brazil  are  spent  generally  on  a calm 
sea,  under  clear  skies. 

Arrangements  have  been  made  between  the  Royal  Mail  and  the  Pacific  Steam  Navigation 
Company,  whereby  passengers  to  Chile  or  Peru,  wishing  to  make  part  of  the  trip  by  the 


372 


THE  HEM/  BRAZIL 


Royal  Mail  service,  may  take  the  Pacific  Company’s  steamer  at  any  port  of  call  and  continue 
the  voyage  to  their  destination.  The  Pacific  steamers  leave  Liverpool  fortnightly,  calling  at 
French,  Spanish,  and  Portuguese  ports  and  carrying  passengers  to  Pernambuco,  Bahia,  Rio, 
Montevideo,  and  all  the  principal  seaports  of  the  west  coast.  In  addition  to  this  service,  the 
company  has  a monthly  service  from  Liverpool  to  Rio,  calling  only  at  Havre.  A special  train 
from  Paris  connects  with  the  fortnightly  steamer  from  La  Rochelle.  This  company,  like  the 
Royal  Mail,  has  greatly  added  to  its  fleet  recently,  four  vessels  on  its  transatlantic  service  being 
twin-screw  steamers  of  ten  thousand  five  hundred  tons,  while  those  for  the  Pacific  coast  trade 
alone  register  six  thousand  tons.  The  Hamburg-American  has  three  separate  routes:  the 
North  Brazil,  Central  Brazil,  and  South  Brazil,  and  has  just  added  new  steamers  of  seven  thou- 
sand tons  register.  The  Lamport  and  Holt  steamers  make  trips  monthly  between  England  and 
Brazil  and  fortnightly  between  New  York  and  Brazil,  this  line  having  been  the  pioneer  in  the 
South  American  trade.  A new  steamer,  the  Voltaire , has  been  added  to  this  service.  The  Booth 
and  Red  Cross  lines  have  six  steamers  monthly  to  northern  Brazil,  three  of  their  boats  leaving 


BOA  VISTA  BRIDGE  ON  THE  CENTRAL  RAILWAY. 


Liverpool  via  Lisbon  and  Havre  for  Para,  Manaos,  Ceara,  and  Maranhao,  and  returning  to 
New  York  via  the  West  Indies,  while  three  start  from  New  York  for  the  Amazon,  returning 


NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE,  AND  TRANSPORTATION 


to  Liverpool.  The  growing  importance  of  Brazilian  trade  is  nowhere  more  conspicuously 
evident  than  in  the  rapid  increase  of  merchant  vessels  plying  between  its  ports  and  those  of 
Europe  and  North  America.  On 
an  average,  about  twenty  thou- 
sand ships  of  all  nations  visit 
the  ports  of  Brazil  annually. 

Besides  the  facilities  exist- 
ing for  foreign  trade,  Brazil  has 
ample  accommodation  for  com- 
merce between  the  home  ports, 
its  merchant  marine  ranking 
seventh  among  the  nations. 

With  a navigable  system  of 
waterways  covering  fifty  thou- 
sand miles,  the  principal  method 
of  transportation  between  the 
various  points  of  her  immense 
territory  is  by  steamer,  though 
extensive  railway  facilities  meet 
all  requirements  where  a water- 
way is  not  available.  The  main 
artery  of  navigation  in  Brazil  is 
the  mighty  Amazon,  the  first 
system  having  been  established, 
in  185$,  between  Manaos  and 
Para,  but  it  now  extends  up  the 
river  as  far  as  the  Peruvian 
border.  A steamboat  ascends 
the  Amazon  in  a fortnight,  while 
a sailing  vessel  requires  from  three  to  four  months  going  up  and  about  two  months 
returning.  The  principal  ports  along  the  river  from  Para  are  Santarem,  Obydos,  Manaos, 
and  Teffe.  The  city  of  Manaos,  the  rapidly  growing  and  prosperous  capital  of  Amazonas, 
has  had  direct  service  with  Liverpool  since  1874,  with  New  York  since  1882,  and  with 
Rio  de  Janeiro  since  1884.  The  main  tributaries  of  the  Amazon  are  navigable  over  a great 
part  of  their  course.  Vessels  can  ascend  the  Madeira  as  far  as  the  falls  of  Santo  Antonio, 
and  again  beyond  them  to  the  interior  of  Matto  Grosso,  this  being  the  popular  means  of 
communication  with  outside  ports  for  western  Matto  Grosso  and  eastern  Bolivia;  the  distance 
from  Para  to  Matto  Grosso  over  this  route  is  about  two  thousand  miles.  The  tributary  Purus 
is  navigable  about  a thousand  miles,  as  far  as  the  Acre.  The  Rio  Negro  carries  vessels  for 
three  hundred  miles,  up  to  the  town  of  Santa  Izabel.  The  Tocantins,  Xingu,  and  Tapajos 


OFFICES  OF  THE  LLOYD  BRAZ1LEIRO  STEAMSHIP  COMPANY,  RIO  DE  JANEIRO. 


374 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


are  navigable  for  hundreds  of  miles,  interrupted,  however,  by  cascades.  Since  September 
7,  1867,  the  Amazon  has  been  open  to  merchant  ships  of  all  nations.  The  usual  route  for 
transportation  from  southeast  Matto  Grosso  to  outside  ports  is  by  the  Paraguay  River  and  its 
tributaries,  navigation  being  uninterrupted  from  Buenos  Aires  to  Cuyaba,  the  capital  of  Matto 
Grosso,  a distance  of  about  two  thousand  miles.  In  1878  the  river  Paraguay  was  opened  to 
foreign  merchant  ships.  Steamers  of  the  Lloyd  Brasileiro  Company  run  regularly  between 
Rio  de  Janeiro  and  Corumba,  in  Matto  Grosso,  via  Montevideo,  Buenos  Aires  and  the  Para- 
guay River,  and  these  connect  at  Corumba  with  smaller  steamers  for  Cuyaba,  the  capital  of 
the  State  of  Matto  Grosso.  In  addition  to  the  New  York  and  Rio  line,  and  the  line  to  Matto 
Grosso,  the  Lloyd  Brasileiro  Company  has  a first  class  service  between  Rio  and  Manaos, 
the  capital  of  the  State  of  Amazonas,  a route  extending  more  than  three  thousand  miles,  of 
which  eight  hundred  miles  is  on  the  Amazon  River.  Another  Brazilian  line,  the  Navegagao 
Costeira,  under  the  proprietorship  of  the  Messrs.  Lage  Brothers,  connects  Rio  de  Janeiro 
with  all  southern  Brazilian  ports,  including  Santos,  Paranagua  (the  seaport  of  Curytiba), 
Florianopolis,  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  and  Porto  Alegre.  The  boats  of  this  line  are  very 
commodious,  comfortable,  and  clean,  having  well-supplied  tables,  and  officers  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  obligations  of  their  position.  The  Iquitos  Steamship  Company,  Limited, 
has  a line  of  mail  steamers  making  monthly  trips  from  Liverpool  to  Iquitos,  Peru,  on  the 
upper  Amazon,  and  from  New  York  to  the  same  port,  calling  at  Para  and  Manaos.  They 
have  eight  steamers  in  the  service,  of  which  the  Manco  is  the  largest,  with  accommoda- 
tions for  sixty  first-class  passengers.  Besides  the  larger  waterways,  there  are  boats  plying 
up  and  down  all  the  smaller  rivers  and  streams. 

For  the  purposes  of  overland  traffic  Brazil  has  in  operation  fifteen  thousand  miles  of 
railway,  while  twenty  thousand  miles  of  new  railway  have  been  projected  and  half  of  it  is 
already  under  construction.  The  railway  mileage  of  Brazil  signifies  more  labor  and 
expense  than  is  the  case  in  ordinary  railway  building,  as  every  line  from  the  coast  to 
the  interior  represents  an  engineering  feat  of  extraordinary  importance,  due  to  the  diffi- 
culties of  crossing  the  Serra  do  Mar,  or  coast  range  of  mountains.  The  first  national  railway, 
constructed  by  Brazilian  enterprise  and  engineering  skill,  was  the  Central  Railway  of  Brazil. 
In  1878,  a section  of  railroad  was  opened  from  Rio  de  Janeiro  to  the  town  of  Belem,  about 
thirty  miles;  a few  years  later,  the  government  bought  it,  and  completed  the  work  across 
the  mountains  of  the  Serra  do  Mar,  giving  the  railroad  the  name  “Dorn  Pedro  II.,”  by  which 
it  was  known  until  rechristened  under  the  republic  the  “Central  Railway  of  Brazil.”  The 
“Central,”  as  it  is  familiarly  called,  now  connects  the  Federal  capital  with  the  chief  cities 
of  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas  Geraes,  has  a trackage  of  more  than  a thousand  miles,  extending 
to  the  heart  of  the  richest  gold  mining  region,  is  the  most  important  railroad  in  Brazil, 
with  the  largest  income  and  expenditure,  and  enjoys  a monopoly  of  the  terminal  facilities 
at  the  port  of  Rio.  It  also  controls  most  of  the  suburban  traffic  of  the  capital.  The 
estimated  cost  of  this  system  to  the  government  was  about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars,  gold,  per  mile.  It  has  three  tracks  for  ten  miles  out  of  Rio,  and  a double 


NATIONAL  REVENUE,  COMMERCE,  AND  TRANSPORTATION 


MS 


track  three  miles  farther.  Besides  suburban  trains  every  few  minutes,  seven  trains  a day  run 
as  far  as  the  junction  of  the  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas  divisions,  two  trains  a day  leave  for  the  end 
of  the  Minas  line,  four  trains  daily  reach  Juiz  de  Fora  and  Barbacena,  in  the  State  of  Minas, 
and  there  are  two  trains  a day  to  and  from  Sao  Paulo.  The  passenger  coaches  are  modern  in 
style  and  very  comfortable,  the  sleeping  cars  being  fitted  up  with  all  necessary  conveniences. 
The  Grand  Central  Station  in  Rio  is  a handsome  modern  depot,  metropolitan  in  appearance 
and  complete  in  arrangement.  Railroad  -fares  are  cheaper  than  in  some  other  countries,  but 
baggage  is  charged  extra,  except  small  hand-bags.  The  Federal  government  owns  the  Central 
railway,  as  well  as  other  lines,  of  which  a description  is  given  in  the  chapters  treating 


SALON  OF  THE  ROYAL  MAIL  STEAMER  ‘'ARAGUAYA." 


of  the  industry  and  commerce  of  the  various  States.  Notwithstanding  the  almost  insur- 
mountable difficulties  of  construction,  railroads  now  cross  all  the  principal  mountain  ranges, 
the  engineering  work  on  some  of  the  lines  being  most  remarkable.  The  highest  point  of 
altitude  reached  by  railway  in  this  country  is  at  Ouro  Preto,  in  the  State  of  Minas  Geraes, 
five  thousand  feet  above  the  sea.  There  are  several  imposing  railway  viaducts,  notably  the 
one  crossing  the  Paraguassu  between  Cachoeira  and  Sao  Felix,  in  Bahia,  and  another,  more 
than  a mile  long,  where  the  coal  mines  of  Tubarao,  in  Santa  Catharina,  are  located. 

Complete  telegraph  and  submarine  cable  systems  connect  the  chief  towns  and  cities  of 
Brazil.  The  government  telegraph  lines  have  a total  length  of  twelve  thousand  miles,  with 


376 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


twenty-five  thousand  miles  of 
wire.  A submarine  cable  of 
about  three  thousand  miles  ex- 
tends from  Para  to  Montevideo, 
another  cable  connecting  Brazil 
with  Europe  via  Cape  Verde 
and  Lisbon. 

By  the  proposed  inaugura- 
tion of  the  new  system  of  docks 
in  the  port  of  Rio,  which  is  to 
take  place  with  formal  cere- 
mony on  the  centennial  anni- 
versary of  the  opening  of  the 
ports,  the  government  of  Brazil  will  remove  the  last  material  obstacle  in  the  way  of  com- 
mercial development,  thus  solving  a problem  which  King  Dorn  Joao  VI.  recognized,  and 
which  occupied  the  attention  of  the  first  emperor  as  early  as  1828,  though  he  was  unable  to 
solve  it  except  by  the  adoption  of  a system  of  transhipment  in  lighters  and  barges,  such  as 
have  been  employed  for  the  purpose  from  that  time  to  the  present,  but  which  will  be 
unnecessary  after  the  construction  of  the  docks.  A national  exhibition  of  the  industrial, 
pastoral,  and  art  products  will  also  be  held  in  celebration  of  this  centennial  anniversary;  the 
exhibition  to  open  July  17,  1908,  and  close  September  7th  of  the  same  year.  The  presence 
of  the  king  of  Portugal  and  other  great  personages  from  foreign  lands  will  give  such  eclat  to 
the  event  as  its  importance  deserves,  and  serve  still  further  to  make  it  memorable  in  the 
annals  of  the  country  as  the  beginning  of  a new  epoch  in  national  development. 


THE  JANGADA,  PRIMITIVE  TRANSPORTATION  IN  THE  TROPICS. 


AMAZONAS  THEATRE,  MANAOS. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 


AMAZONAS 


HTHE  foreign  commerce  of  Brazil  owes  its 
1 development  chiefly  to  the  industries 
derived  from  its  two  principal  products,  coffee 
and  rubber ; and  as  the  former  has  made  the 
“ Imperial  State  ” of  Sao  Paulo  one  of  the  rich- 
est sections  of  the  globe,  so  the  latter  has  been 
the  means  of  bringing  world-wide  renown  as 
a treasure  house  of  wealth  to  Amazonas,  the 
great  State  of  the  Sea- River, — a name  given  to 
the  mighty  Amazon  by  the  early  discoverers, 
who  were  amazed  at  its  vast  expanse. 

Amazonas,  the  largest  State  of  Brazil, 
covers  a territory  of  eight  hundred  thousand 
square  miles,  equal  in  area  to  all  that  part 
of  the  United  States  which  lies  east  of  the 
Mississippi  River.  It  is  situated  in  the  heart 
of  the  equatorial  region,  extending  from  the 
fifth  degree  north  latitude  to  the  tenth  de- 
gree south  and  from  the  fifty-fourth  to  the 
seventy-seventh  degree  west  longitude.  It 
statue  OF  tenreiro  aranha.  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  State  of  Para, 

on  the  north  by  Venezuela  and  Guiana,  on 
the  west  by  Colombia  and  Peru,  and  on  the  south  by  Bolivia  and  the  State  of  Matto  Grosso. 
Unique  in  the  character  of  its  history  and  the  apparent  greatness  of  its  destiny,  the  State  of 
Amazonas  has  reversed  the  order  of  progress  in  other  civilized  countries  of  the  globe,  having 
been  the  favored  haunt  of  the  scientist  and  the  scholar  centuries  before  the  commercial 
world  awoke  to  a realization  of  its  industrial  possibilities.  The  record  of  its  earlier  days  is 


379 


380 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


filled  with  anecdotes  of  world-wide  celebrities  who  visited  its  shores,  buried  themselves  in 
its  forests,  and  found  it  a terrestrial  paradise.  The  little  home  where  Agassiz  spent  many 

happy  years  is  still  pointed  out 
among  the  chief  attractions  of  the 
city  of  Manaos;  scholars  whose 
names  are  honored  in  the  proudest 
capitals  of  the  world  are  remem- 
bered here  with  many  familiar  little 
incidents  that  marked  their  visit. 
While  the  plodding  centres  of  Eu- 
rope have  been  busy  with  the 
problems  of  commerce,  the  gentle 
students  of  nature  have  found, 
over  and  over  again,  but  without 
being  able  to  convince  their  more 
“ practical  ” brethren,  the  richest 
country  toward  which  the  eager 
emissaries  of  trade  have  ever  set 
their  faces.  Humboldt  said  long 
ago,  in  respect  to  commerce,  which 
successively  crowded  the  ports  of 
the  Ganges,  the  Euphrates,  and  the 
Nile,  that  it  would  find  on  the  Ama- 
zon the  greatest  wealth  of  all,  de- 
claring “it  is  there  that  one  day, 
sooner  or  later,  will  concentrate  the 
civilization  of  the  globe.”  The  first  sign  of  this  coming  greatness  appeared  when  steamships 
were  employed  to  carry  its  products  to  foreign  lands  and  when  the  mighty  river  was  opened 
to  free  navigation ; especially  was  the  last  act  a boon  to  the  country,  well  deserving  of  the 
commemoration  it  has  received  from  the  State  by  the  recent  erection  of  a handsome  monu- 
ment in  one  of  the  prominent  squares  of  the  city  of  Manaos,  the  State  capital.  Everything 
favors  a great  future  for  Amazonas,  which  is  rich  in  animal,  vegetable,  and  mineral  wealth, 
and  accessible  in  every  part  of  its  vast  territory  by  means  of  the  most  extensive  waterway 
in  the  world. 

From  an  impetuous  little  mountain  stream  sixteen  thousand  feet  above  the  sea,  watering 
the  Peruvian  valley  of  Huantar  between  the  Cordilleras  of  the  Andes  less  than  a hundred 
miles  from  Lima,  the  majestic  Amazon  broadens  into  a spacious  river  two  thousand  miles 
above  its  entrance  to  the  sea,  toward  which,  after  leaving  the  Andes,  it  flows  with  leisurely 
movement,  receiving  tribute  from  left  and  right  in  the  currents  of  innumerable  affluents,  and 
gradually  widening  throughout  its  course  until  it  forms  an  estuary  more  than  two  hundred 


COLONEL  CONSTANTINO  NERY,  GOVERNOR  OF  AMAZONAS. 


AMAZONAS 


381 


miles  wide  at  its  mouth.  This  mighty  and  peerless  river  is  the  natural  link  between  the 
Atlantic  and  the  Pacific  seaboards  of  the  southern  hemisphere;  while  through  its  tributaries, 
the  Negro  from  Venezuela,  the  Madeira  from  Bolivia,  the  Jurua,  Purus,  and  Javary  from 
Peru,  the  Iga  and  Japura  from  Colombia,  the  Napo  from  Ecuador,  the  Tocantins  from  Goyaz, 
and  the  Tapajos  from  Matto  Grosso,  it  affords  the  requisite  means  of  transportation  to 
develop  the  region  through  which  it  makes  its  stately  progress  to  the  sea  as  the  most 
important  commercial  waterway  of  the  western  world. 

The  Brazilians  still  call  the  Amazon  the  Rio-Mar,  or  “sea-river,”  and  the  various 
explorers  who  have  given  accounts  of  its  vast  expanse  and  wonderful  volume  have 
referred  to  it  as  an  inland  sea,  the  Mediterranean  of  America,  or  similar  titles  indicative  of  its 
immensity.  To  the  north,  the  basin  of  the  Amazon  is  united  with  that  of  the  Orinoco  by 
the  Cassiquiare  River,  which  flows  either  into  the  Rio  Negro  or  into  the  Orinoco  according 
to  the  strength  and  direction  of  the  tide;  and  to  the  south,  in  the  State  of  Matto  Grosso,  the 
Amazon  plain  joins  that  of  La  Plata.  With  the  construction  of  a few  short  canals,  water 
communication  would  be  uninterrupted  from  the  Caribbean  coast  down  through  the  heart 


PALACE  OF  JUSTICE.  MANAOS. 


of  the  continent  to  the  estuary  of  La  Plata.  The  entire  basin  of  this  mighty  river  covers  an 
area  of  seven  million  square  kilometres,  of  which  a part  belongs  to  Peru,  Ecuador,  and 


382 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Bolivia.  At  its  source,  the  river  is  named  the  Maranon;  on  the  border  of  Brazil,  it  takes 
the  name  Solitudes;  and  after  its  confluence  with  the  Madeira,  it  becomes  known  as  the 

Amazon.  It  is  three  thousand 
five  hundred  miles  in  length, 
and  so  level  is  its  flow  that 
throughout  two-thirds  of  its 
course  the  channel  slopes  little 
more  than  two  hundred  feet. 
It  is  wider  and  deeper  than 
any  other  river  in  the  world. 
Although  the  surface  is  placid, 
showing  little  apparent  current, 
the  average  depth  is  from 
seventy-five  to  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet,  and  in  some 
places  it  has  a depth  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  feet;  the 
width  varies  from  a mile  and  a 
half  at  Tabatinga,  on  the  Peru- 
vian border  of  Brazil,  to  four 
miles  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ma- 
deira, and,  again,  to  less  than  a 
mile  as  it  passes  the  “narrows” 
at  Obydos,  though  it  is  twelve 
miles  wide  below  Santarem, 
where  it  receives  the  tributary 
Tapajos.  According  to  gener- 
ally accepted  authorities,  the 
estuary  of  the  Amazon  encloses 

VESTIBULE  OF  THE  PALACE  OF  JUSTICE,  MANAOS.  J 

the  island  of  Marajo,  and  has  a 
total  width  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  Some  authorities  claim  that  the  real  mouth  of 
the  Amazon  is  north  of  Marajo  Island,  the  river  forming  an  archipelago  just  below  the  con- 
fluence of  the  Xingu,  and  emptying  into  the  sea  through  three  channels,  which  are  not  much 
used  for  navigation.  A succession  of  narrow  channels  connects  the  main  river  with  the 
Para  estuary  south  of  Marajo  Island,  the  last  of  these,  the  Breves,  being  scarcely  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  wide,  and  almost  completely  embowered  in  overhanging  foliage.  So  great  is 
the  conflict  between  the  current  of  the  river  at  its  mouth  and  the  incoming  tide  of  the  ocean, 
that  great  billows  ten  to  fifteen  feet  high  surge  in  especially  at  the  northern  entrance,  follow- 
ing each  other  with  deafening  noise,  particularly  during  the  time  of  the  equinoctial  gales, 
when  the  current  is  strongest;  and  this  tide  is  perceptible  in  the  river  as  far  as  Obydos, 


AMAZONAS 


383 

about  five  hundred  miles.  Throughout  the  lower  course  of  the  river  are  innumerable 
channels  forming  islands  close  to  the  shore,  which  during  the  dry  season  are  the  favorite 
haunt  of  the  beautiful  herons  and  other  birds  native  to  this  region ; these  low-lying  lands 
are  called  var^eas,  or  “flood-plains,”  and  they  disappear  during  the  rainy  season  when  the 
tides  are  high.  The  principal  rise  of  the  tide  takes  place  in  February  on  the  Solimoes,  in 
April  on  the  Amazon  proper,  and  in  June  on  the  Para.  The  level  then  falls  until  October, 
when  a second  rise  of  less  importance  begins,  which  lasts  until  January.  These  rises 
correspond  with  the  rainy  seasons  of  the  regions  watered  by  the  great  river  and  its  tribu- 
taries, the  equatorial  rains  of  the  northern  latitude  recurring  at  a different  time  of  the  year 
from  those  of  the  south.  A learned  professor  very  beautifully  expresses  it:  “In  this 
oceanic  river  the  tidal  action  has  an  annual  instead  of  a daily  ebb  and  flow;  it  obeys  a 
larger  orb,  and  is  ruled  by  the  sun  and  not  by  the  moon.”  During  the  rainy  season  on  the 
upper  Amazon,  the  tide  sometimes  rises  to  a height  of  from  forty  to  fifty  feet,  submerging 
the  forests  and  converting  a vast  territory  into  an  inland  sea.  The  Amazon  basin  receives 
more  rain  during  the  year  than  any  other  region  of  the  same  extent  on  the  globe,  and  the 
volume  of  water  it  carries  to  the  ocean  is  estimated  by  Martius  at  the  enormous  quantity  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  million  cubic  meters  per  hour,  the  water  of  the  great  stream  coloring 
the  Atlantic  for  hundreds  of  miles  from  its  mouth.  The  dull  opaque  yellow  of  the  main 
current  is  tinged  with  various  mixtures  as  it  receives  its  immense  tributaries,  of  which  there 
are  a dozen  that  extend  each  over  a course  of  more  than  a thousand  miles:  the  largest  of 
these  enter  the  river  from  the  south,  such  as  the  Tocantins,  Xingu,  and  Tapajos,  in  the  State 
of  Para,  and  the  Madeira,  Purus,  Jurua,  and  Javary,  in  Amazonas;  the  last  four,  which  have 
an  average  length  of 
sixteen  hundred  miles, 
watering  a territory  im- 
mensely rich  in  rubber 
trees.  The  Madeira  is  the 
greatest  southern  tribu- 
tary, having  a length  of 
more  than  two  thousand 
miles  from  its  head- 
waters in  Bolivia,  one 
branch  rising  near  the 
border  of  Chile  and  the 
other  close  to  the  Argen- 
tine boundary;  it  passes 
through  a country  rich 
in  rubber,  and  is  the 
great  natural  highway  of  traffic  between  the  interior  and  the  North  Atlantic  seaboard;  for 
about  six  hundred  miles  navigation  is  uninterrupted,  then  a succession  of  rapids  obstructs  it 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


384 

for  about  a hundred  and  fifty  miles,  after  which  there  are  no  further  obstacles  to  vessels 
going  by  this  route  to  Bolivia  and  Matto  Grosso.  A railway  is  under  construction  to  provide 


PENITENTIARY.  MANAOS. 


overland  transportation  where  the  rapids  cut  off  navigation  of  the  river.  The  water  of  the 
Madeira  is  of  a milky  color,  and  at  its  junction  with  the  Amazon  it  has  a width  of  about  two 
miles  and  a depth  of  seventy  feet,  making  quite  a perceptible  change  in  the  flow  of  the 
current  where  it  enters  the  river,  a few  miles  below  the  city  of  Manaos.  The  Purus  is 
nearly  as  long  as  the  Madeira,  and  is  navigable  to  its  source,  a distance  of  about  nineteen 
hundred  miles;  it  is  said  to  be  the  fabled  Amarumayu,  or  “serpent  river,”  of  the  Incas.  The 
Javary  marks  part  of  the  boundary  between  Amazonas  and  Peru,  and  is  about  fourteen 
hundred  miles  long.  Of  the  northern  tributaries,  the  Rio  Negro  is  the  largest  and  most 
important,  having  a length  of  fifteen  hundred  miles  and  an  average  breadth  of  nearly  two 
miles  for  the  first  half  of  its  course,  and  of  from  ten  to  fifteen  miles  for  the  remainder, 
which  is  channelled  with  islands;  the  name  of  this  river,  which  takes  its  rise  in  the  moun- 
tains of  Colombia,  is  singularly  appropriate,  the  water  having  a rich  dark  chocolate  color 
which  is  not  changed  even  at  the  confluence  of  the  Rio  Branco,  whose  milk-white  tide  is 
quickly  lost  in  the  greater  current.  The  water  of  the  Rio  Negro  is  light  golden  when  placed 
in  a white  vessel,  and  has  a delightfully  satiny  feeling  that  makes  bathing  in  it  an  especial 
luxury  and  overcomes  any  prejudice  against  its  color,  which,  though  decided,  does  not  inter- 
fere with  its  perfect  transparency.  This  river  constitutes  the  chief  highway  of  commerce 


.AMAZONAS 


A 

between  Brazil,  Venezuela,  and  Guiana.  The  second  in  importance  of  the  Amazon’s  northern 
tributaries  is  the  Japura,  a thousand  miles  long,  and,  although  the  principal  mouth  is  only 
three  hundred  feet  wide,  its  delta  connects  it  with  the  Amazon  by  a series  of  small  channels 
for  two  hundred  miles;  it,  also,  rises  in  the  mountains  of  Colombia,  and  passes  through  a 
territory  rich  in  dyewoods,  medicinal  plants,  cacao,  castanha-nuts,  and  minerals.  The  Iga, 
another  northern  tributary  of  importance,  is  very  rich  in  gold  and  other  precious  minerals. 
The  principal  tributaries  that  enter  the  Maranon  division  of  the  Amazon  are  the  Ucayali, 
Huallaga,  Pastassa,  and  Napo.  There  are  numerous  minor  branches  large  enough  to  be 
considered  of  importance  in  any  other  river  system,  but  they  are  lost  by  comparison  with 
the  immensity  of  contiguous  rivals.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  gain,  from  a description  or 
from  figures,  an  adequate  idea  of  this  wonder  of  the  natural  world,  which  is  just  now  begin- 
ning to  awaken  universal  interest  in  its  unlimited  possibilities,  and  to  change  the  grim  stare 
of  incredulity  into  the  clear  sight  of  serious  appreciation. 

There  is  no  country  on  the  globe  that  has  a more  promising  outlook  for  commercial 
development  than  that  of  Amazonas.  The  climate  is  equable,  and  although  the  temperature 
is  high,  yet,  owing  to  the  constant  evaporation  due  to  the  plentiful  rains  and  the  prevalent 
trade-winds,  the  actual  heat  is  not  so  great  as  the  latitude  and  the  comparatively  low  land 


RUA  MUNICIPAL.  MANAOS. 


would  lead  one  to  suppose.  Professor  Agassiz  was  enthusiastic  in  his  praises  of  the 
climate  and  the  country,  of  which  he  wrote  a friend:  “I  have  the  pleasure  to  repeat,  in 


3 86 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


spite  of  all  that  may  be  said  to  the  contrary,  that  1 know  of  no  country  in  the  world  so  full 
of  attractions,  more  fertile,  more  salubrious,  and  more  fitted  to  be  the  focus  of  an  immense 
immigration  than  the  magnificent  valley  of  Amazonas.” 


THE  CATHEDRAL,  MANAOS. 


That  part  of  the  State  which  lies  to  the  north  of  the  Amazon  is  considerably  higher  and 
less  marshy  than  the  territory  to  the  south;  in  the  extreme  north  and  west  are  mountainous 
regions,  rich  in  mineral  products,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Branco,  near  its  headwaters, 
are  extensive  grassy  plains  suitable  for  cattle  raising.  The  southern  half  of  the  State  is 
regarded  as  the  more  valuable  commercially,  as  it  is  in  this  region  that  the  famous  rubber- 
trees  which  supply  the  markets  of  the  world  with  their  product  are  most  abundant  and  of 
the  best  quality.  The  wealth  represented  by  this  valuable  resource  offers  such  alluring 
reward  to  the  investor,  that  the  people  of  the  State  have  become  absorbed  in  its  develop- 
ment almost  to  the  exclusion  of  other  enterprises.  And  yet,  although  the  revenue  from 
this  resource  is  enormous,  as  shown  elsewhere,  there  are  other  products  which,  if  given 
equal  attention,  would  yield  very  handsome  returns.  The  chief  difficulty  is  found  in 
securing  sufficient  labor  to  develop  the  country,  the  present  population  of  Amazonas  being 
scarcely  half  a million  inhabitants,  of  whom  more  than  a tenth  are  residents  of  the  city  of 
Manaos.  Yet  the  inducements  to  immigrants,  especially  of  the  agricultural  class,  are  excel- 
lent; the  climate  and  soil  favor  the  growth  of  every  kind  of  cereal,  and  are  remarkably  well- 
adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  rice,  sugar,  tobacco,  beans,  and  similar  products.  The  fertile  region 


AMAZONAS 


387 


of  the  Nile  enjoys  no  greater  natural  advantages  in  the  periodical  overflow  that  serves  the 
double  purpose  of  irrigation  and  fertilization  than  does  the  vast  alluvial  plain  of  the  Amazon, 
periodically  inundated  by  floods  which  cover  a large  area  with  a vegetable  deposit  at  regular 
intervals.  The  absence  of  droughts  or  of  insect  plagues,  from  which  some  of  the  best 
farming  regions  of  the  world  suffer,  is  an  additional  blessing. 

But  until  the  population  increases  materially  it  is  not  likely  that  the  attention  of  the 
people  will  be  diverted  from  the  rubber  trade  and  the  commercial  interests  represented  by 
various  other  natural  products.  Of  these,  the  castanhas,  or  “Brazil  nuts”  are  among  the 
more  important;  in  the  Amazon  country  they  are  collected  on  much  the  same  plan  as  that 
followed  by  the  rubber-gatherer.  The  forest  is  marked  out  by  paths,  or  estradas,  which 
lead  past  three  or  four  hundred  trees,  two  men  generally  working  a path  together,  and 
collecting  on  an  average  a thousand  barrels  a season,  though  the  production  varies  greatly 
from  year  to  year.  Cacao  grows  wild  in  this  State  and  promises  to  be  one  of  its  most 
valuable  industries.  The  various  hardwoods,  dyewoods,  and  medicinal  herbs  are  among 
its  valuable  productions,  besides  which  it  is  rich  in  tropical  fruits. 

Birds,  heron  plumes,  and  orchids  are  found  in  abundance  and  of  glorious  beauty.  The 
orchids  of  the  Amazon  region  are  of  great  attractiveness,  especially  the  Sobrdlia,  Stanlwpea, 


THE  GYMNASIUM.  MANA'OS. 


Renanthera  and  similar  varieties.  In  a small  lake  on  a branch  of  the  Rio  Negro,  below 
Manaos,  the  Victoria  Regia  is  found  in  wonderful  abundance.  Only  small  canoes  can 
ascend  the  stream  to  the  spot  where  the  royal  lily  grows  in  all  its  magnificence,  the  first 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


388 

view  showing  a mirror-like  surface,  half  a mile  long  and  nearly  as  wide,  literally  sprinkled 
with  huge  green  leaves,  that  lie  flat  on  the  water,  the  lilies  standing  out  among  them,  like 


AVENIDA  EDUARDO  RIBEIRO.  MANA'oS. 


white  stars  with  a pinkish  centre,  some  fifteen  inches  in  diameter.  There  is  practically  no 
limit  to  the  wealth  of  Amazonas,  and  the  remarkable  advancement  made  within  the  past 
few  years  is,  in  some  respects,  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  States. 

Although  the  State  of  Amazonas  lies  within  the  equatorial  region,  the  soil  and  climate 
are  suitable  for  the  cultivation  of  semi-tropical  products  and,  in  the  mountainous  districts, 
those  of  the  temperate  zone.  Vast  tracts  of  land  are  covered  with  rich  pasturage,  and  the 
conditions  are  favorable  for  raising  sheep,  cattle,  and  horses.  In  the  extreme  north  of 
the  State,  on  the  frontier  of  Venezuela  and  British  Guiana,  and  especially  in  the  valleys 
of  the  upper  Rio  Branco,  thousands  of  square  miles  are  covered  with  pasturage  of  the 
richest  kind,  and  on  the  slopes  of  the  mountains  of  this  region  excellent  farm  lands  are 
located,  suitable  for  growing  wheat,  corn,  and  other  products.  Under  the  present  adminis- 
tration, special  attention  is  being  given  to  these  industries,  and  fine  stock  is  imported  from 
Argentina  for  breeding  purposes.  A railway  is  also  projected  to  overcome  the  obstacle  to 
transportation  caused  by  the  Rio  Branco  falls,  which  impede  navigation  for  a short  distance 
between  Manaos  and  the  northern  frontier.  When  this  railway  is  completed,  some  of  the 
finest  cattle  ranges  of  Brazil  will  be  brought  within  two  days’  journey  from  Manaos.  At 
present,  the  industry  is  in  its  infancy,  though  the  Sao  Marcos  ranch,  occupying  fifty  square 


AMAZONAS 


389 


leagues  or  more,  is  well-stocked  with  fine  herds.  To  stimulate  agriculture  and  stock  raising, 
the  government  pays  a premium  of  two  thousand  milreis  to  farmers  or  stock  raisers,  on 
terms  which  encourage  their  special  efforts  toward  developing  these  industries.  The  youth 
of  the  farming  communities  receive  practical  training  in  the  Instituto  Affonso  Penna,  which 
has  a model  farm  and  a stock  breeding  station  connected  with  the  school. 

Not  only  is  the  cattle  industry  most  promising,  but  the  government  is  doing  all  in  its 
power  to  encourage  the  fisheries;  for  the  Amazon  abounds  in  fish  and  turtles.  The  pirarucu , 
weighing  from  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  pounds,  is  the  silver  king  of  these  waters,  and, 
like  the  famous  tarpon  of  North  America,  it  is  caught  with  hook  and  line,  harpooned,  or  shot 
with  bow  and  arrow,  though  more  valuable  than  the  tarpon,  which  is  hunted  only  for  sport, 
and  is  not  edible.  The  pirarucu  is  a favorite  dish  with  the  Brazilians,  being  dried  and  shipped 
from  Manaos  to  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  courbina  is  a fish  well  known  throughout 
Brazil,  and  it  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  Amazonas.  A curious  feature  of  the  courbina 
is  its  coarse,  hard  tongue,  which,  when  dried,  serves  the  purpose  of  a grater.  The  peixe-boi 
(cow-fish)  resembles  a gigantic  cow,  but  has  the  fins  and  tail  of  an  ungainly-looking  fish; 
about  five  thousand  species  of  this  amphibious  monster  are  found  in  the  Amazon  River,  their 
sole  habitat.  The  puraque,  or  electric  fish,  is  another  curiosity  of  this  river. 

A curious  phenomenon  of  the  Amazon  country,  is  known  to  the  natives  as  the  “ Frost 
of  Saint  John.”  It  occurs  usually  during  the  last  week  of  June,  and  is  noticeable  as 


SYLVERIO  NERY  SCHOOL,  MANAOS. 


far  down  the  river  as  Manaos,  being  ushered  in  with  a rain-storm  during  which  the 
thermometer  drops  to  about  fifteen  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  the  water  of  the  Amazon  is  so 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


390 


cold  that  the  fish  die  by  hundreds.  According  to  one  theory,  this  cold  weather  is  due  to 
the  descent  of  large  quantities  of  ice  and  snow  from  the  Upper  Andes,  accompanied  by  high 

winds.  During  the  few 
days  that  this  frost  con- 
tinues, the  people  wear 
overcoats  and  wraps,  and 
among  the  poor  there  is 
great  discomfort,  as  the 
change  of  from  sixty  to 
seventy  degrees  is  so 
rapid  that  the  effects  are 
naturally  very  marked  on 
the  system,  unprepared 
for  such  a shock.  It  is 
as  keenly  felt  as  a “ bliz- 
zard” in  colder  climates. 
On  the  other  hand,  it 
serves  a good  purpose  in 
destroying  the  germs  of 
fever,  which  cannot  sur- 
vive such  a lowering  of 
the  temperature. 

Navigation  on  the 
Amazon  River  was  first 
established  through  the 
enterprise  of  a Brazilian, 
the  Baron  de  Maua,  who 
organized  the  Amazon 
Navigation  Company  in 
1852.  The  commerce  of 
this  region  to-day  is  car- 

MONUMENT  IN  MANAOS  COMMEMORATING  THE  OPENING  OF  NAVIGATION 

on  the  amazon  to  all  nations.  ried  in  ships  of  all  nations; 

three  million  tons  of  mer- 
chandise being  brought  down  the  river  and  its  tributaries  annually  to  the  port  of  Manaos. 
Hundreds  of  steamers,  steam  launches,  barges,  and  sailing  vessels  ply  up  and  down  the 
Amazon  constantly,  and  the  immigration  from  other  Brazilian  States  increases  yearly. 
Immigrants  from  Italy  and  other  countries  of  Southern  Europe  arrive  in  greater  number 
every  year,  and  find  the  opportunities  excellent  for  farming  and  especially  for  fruit  growing, 
in  which  the  Italian  secures  particularly  congenial  employment.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  capital, 
Manaos,  several  truck  farms  have  been  cultivated  with  success,  and  the  poultry  is  of  an 


AMAZONAS 


39’ 


excellent  quality.  As  the  needs  of  a rapidly  growing  city  become  more  imperative,  the 
various  enterprises  branch  out  on  a larger  scale. 

Manaos,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio  Negro,  eight  miles  from  the  Amazon  and  a 
thousand  miles  from  the  Atlantic  coast,  is  a conspicuous  example  of  the  rapid  progress  of 
Amazonas.  It  is  the  social,  educational,  political,  and  commercial  centre  of  the  State,  and  in 
appearance  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  of  cities.  Its  streets  are  broad  and  well  paved,  the 
principal  ones  with  asphalt  blocks,  and  the  others  with  granite  cubes.  It  is  lighted  with 
electricity,  and  hundreds  of  private  houses  have  installations.  Five  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  arc  lights,  of  two  thousand  candle-power  each,  illuminate  the  public  thoroughfares. 
An  excellent  system  of  waterworks  is  in  use,  the  property  of  the  government,  ten  million 
litres  being  supplied  daily.  The  principal  streets  are  traversed  by  an  electric  street  railway, 
fifteen  miles  in  extent,  having  a loop  line  that  runs  around  the  city  through  the  picturesque 
suburbs  of  Cachoeirinha,  Flores,  and  other  resorts,  along  the  road  to  which  the  car  passes 
through  beautiful  arbors  of  green,  dense  thickets  of  the  richest  tropical  foliage,  and  avenues 
of  magnificent  palms,  and  over  two  handsome  iron  bridges  that  cross  the  river  on  the 


PUBLIC  ARCHIVES  AND  LIBRARY  MANAOS. 


outskirts  of  the  city,  offering  the  most  attractive  of  sylvan  scenes.  This  railway  is  as 
thoroughly  equipped  as  any  trolley  road  in  South  America,  the  cars  being  of  modern  style 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


392 

and  construction,  the  power  house  and  car  sheds  of  steel  structure,  and  the  entire  system 
a credit  in  every  way  to  the  progress  of  the  community. 

Within  the  past  few  years  the  city  has  grown  greatly  in  population,  and  the  number  of 
handsome  public  buildings  and  private  residences  has  notably  increased.  Some  of  the  State 

buildings,  erected  at  a cost  of  millions  of 
dollars,  are  unsurpassed  in  size  and  attractive- 
ness by  any  other  government  buildings  of 
the  country.  The  Palace  of  Justice,  situated 
on  one  of  the  main  avenues,  is  a stately  edi- 
fice of  white  marble  representing  an  enor- 
mous expenditure.  The  Theatro  Amazonas 
is  one  of  the  handsomest  in  America;  it  was 
built  at  a cost  of  two  million  dollars  gold,  and 
is  a particularly  striking  evidence  of  the  great 
material  prosperity  of  the  State  and  the  capi- 
tal. Occupying  a commanding  site  on  the 
Avenida  Eduardo  Ribeiro,  it  is  one  of  the 
most  conspicuous  features  of  the  landscape 
as  viewed  from  the  harbor,  when  the  sun 
gilds  its  magnificent  dome,  lighting  up  the 
national  colors  which  are  worked  into  the 
ornamental  tiles  that  cover  it  like  a bandeira. 
The  theatre  is  built  of  stone,  the  entrances  and 
the  supporting  pillars  are  finished  in  Italian 
marble,  and  the  interior  is  decorated  in  the 
richest  fashion,  the  allegorical  paintings  that 
ornament  the  ceilings  of  the  foyer  and  the 
auditorium  being  the  work  of  the  celebrated  Italian  artist  De  Angelis.  The  various  churches 
of  the  city  are  built  principally  in  the  Jesuit  style  of  architecture.  The  educational  institu- 
tions, most  of  which  have  spacious  and  modern  buildings,  are  equipped  with  the  latest 
conveniences  for  school  purposes,  especially  the  Gymnasio,  a capacious  stone  edifice  with 
marble  portico  and  finishings,  which  has  large  recitation  halls,  gymnasium,  and  other 
desirable  features;  and  the  Benjamin  Constant  Institute  for  girls.  The  public  library  con- 
tains about  ten  thousand  volumes  in  Portuguese,  French,  and  English.  The  museum  is 
particularly  interesting  for  its  varied  collection  of  Amazonian  curiosities,  in  the  form  of 
Indian  weapons,  Indian  musical  instruments  made  of  beetles’  wings,  animals’  teeth,  etc., 
and  countless  antiquarian  specimens.  The  public  market  is  one  of  the  substantial  buildings 
in  the  shopping  district;  it  is  spacious,  cool,  and  well-ventilated,  a prime  necessity  in 
this  climate.  A favorite  resort  in  the  evenings  is  the  Jardim  Publico,  where  an  orchestra 
furnishes  music  from  six  o’clock  until  midnight. 


MONUMENT  OF  BARON  SANTA  ANNA  NERY. 


AMAZONAS 


m 


Public  order  is  maintained  by  an  efficient  police  department,  having  its  headquarters  in 
a large  two-story  building  overlooking  the  Praga  Constituigao.  The  first  floor  is  divided 
into  living-rooms  for  the  police  companies,  storerooms  for  weapons,  etc.,  and  on  the  second 
floor  are  fencing  halls,  library,  officers’  apartments,  etc.  The  State  penitentiary  is  a spacious 
new  building  erected  during  the  present  administration,  and  covers  an  area  of  fifteen 
thousand  square  metres.  In  its  modern  arrangement  and  appointments  it  is  one  of  many 
proofs  of  the  progressive  spirit  in  enterprise  and  social  affairs  that  prevails  in  every  depart- 
ment of  the  public  service.  The  State  militia  is  a particularly  creditable  organization.  It  is 
composed  of  two  battalions  of  infantry  of  five  hundred  men  each,  commanded  by  majors  of 
the  regular  army,  and  a cavalry  corps  of  forty  men.  The  military  bands  belonging  to  these 
battalions  are  noted  for  their  excellent  training  and  talent. 

Life  in  Manaos  is  not  so  subject  to  unfavorable  climatic  conditions  as  might  be  supposed. 
Though  an  equatorial  city,  it  is  a desirable  place  of  residence.  The  citizens  enjoy  many 
luxuries;  electric  fans  are  installed  in  all  public  offices  as  well  as  in  private  homes,  and  the 
supply  of  ice  is  practically  unlimited,  there  being  several  establishments  for  its  manufacture. 
Boating  and  bathing  are  enjoyable  pastimes,  and  the  city  is  well  provided  with  carriages 
for  the  evening  passeio,  and  with  good  horses  for  those  who  like  equestrian  exercises. 
The  press  is  well  repre- 
sented, and  there  are 
half  a dozen  wide-awake 
dailies  in  charge  of  active 
and  well-informed  jour- 
nalists; the  newsboys 
are  as  progressive  as  any 
of  their  metropolitan  con- 
freres, and  have  all  the 
airs  of  the  London  or 
Paris  newspaper  vendor 
of  tender  years  and  wide 
experience.  There  are 
several  factories  and 
machine  shops  which 
are  constantly  increas- 
ing the  number  of  em- 
ployees in  proportion  to 
their  growing  business. 

The  capital  is  remarkably  free  from  sickness:  fevers  occur  only  in  a sporadic  form,  and 
the  usual  complaints  of  a hot  climate  are  not  common.  In  a great  measure  this  healthfulness 
is  due  to  careful  attention  on  the  part  of  the  government,  which  has  provided  a good  system 
of  drainage,  as  well  as  a garbage  crematory  of  modern  manufacture,  a valuable  agency  in 


BENJAMIN  CONSTANT  INSTITUTE,  MANAOS. 


394 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


disposing  of  the  city’s  rubbish.  By  a decree  of  November  12,  1906,  the  sanitary  system  of 
the  capital  was  reorganized,  the  service  being  divided  into  three  sections;  the  general  board, 
the  section  of  analysis  and  bacteriology,  and  that  of  disinfection  and  isolation.  Two  hos- 
pitals have  been  imported  from  New  York  and  set  up  in  the  most  convenient  locality  for 
their  purpose. 

There  is  no  branch  of  public  improvement  in  which  the  activity  of  the  government  is 
not  shown  with  conspicuous  results.  The  port  works  of  Manaos  have  been  completed 
recently,  adding  enormously  to  the  facilities  for  commercial  interchange,  and  placing  this 
port  among  the  best  equipped  in  South  America  for  the  handling  of  merchandise.  The 
contract  for  the  improvements  was  made  with  the  Manaos  Harbor  Company,  Limited,  an 


LANDING  FLOAT.  MANAOS  HARBOR. 


English  concern,  and  the  docks  were  planned  and  practically  constructed  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Dr.  A.  de  Lavandeyra,  a Cuban  engineer.  The  work  was  inaugurated  in  August, 
1902,  and  within  less  than  ten  months  the  company  had  built  a power  house  having  two 
Corliss  engines  and  electric  power  for  running  three  Lidgerwood  cableways,  and  had 
constructed  six  iron  warehouses  covering  an  area  of  six  thousand  square  metres,  with  a 
platform  in  front  of  them,  over  the  river,  three  thousand  square  metres  in  area,  all  built  of 
pine  logs  imported  from  the  United  States;  a floating  pontoon  had  also  been  built  capable 
of  taking  alongside  two  ocean  steamers;  it  lies  in  front  of  the  platform,  four  hundred  feet 
distant,  and  on  it  are  three  towers,  corresponding  to  three  on  the  platform,  connected 
by  Lidgerwood  cableways;  the  capacity  for  unloading  and  carrying  merchandise  from 
steamers  to  the  warehouses  is  at  the  rate  of  six  tons  in  two  minutes.  An  additional  ware- 
house covering  about  a thousand  square  metres  was  completed,  and  in  May,  1903,  the 


AMAZONAS 


39$ 


company  began  to  take  charge  of  the  traffic  of  the  harbor  of  Manaos.  Since  that  time,  new 
warehouses  have  been  added,  and  a floating  roadway  has  been  built,  extending  from  the 
recess  in  the  key  wall  out  into  the  river;  this  roadway  rises  and  falls  with  the  river,  the  level 
of  which  varies  fifteen  metres  between  the  rainy  and  the  dry  seasons.  At  the  end  of  the 
roadway  is  another  large  pontoon  with  two  warehouses,  passengers’  waiting  room  and 
baggage  room;  this  pontoon  will  support  one  thousand  tons  and  accommodates  two  ocean 
steamers  alongside. 

While  the  commerce  of  the  State  is  benefited  by  the  new  port  works,  the  sanitation  of 
the  capital  is  guaranteed  through  the  government’s  far-seeing  policy  in  placing  the  contract 
for  the  perfection  of  the  waterworks  and  drainage  systems  in  the  hands  of  experienced 
engineers.  The  Manaos  Improvements  Company,  Limited,  has  charge  of  this  important 


MILITARY  QUARTEL,  MANAOS. 


enterprise.  In  May,  1906,  the  work  of  sanitation  was  begun,  and  it  has  progressed  with 
remarkable  rapidity,  the  State  facilitating  the  efforts  of  the  company  in  every  detail. 

Colonel  Antonio  Constantino  Nery,  governor  of  Amazonas,  belongs  to  one  of  the  most 
noted  families  of  Brazil,  a family  whose  name  is  prominent  in  statecraft  and  letters.  His 
own  career  has  been  one  of  eminent  service  to  his  beloved  country,  as  deputy,  senator,  and 
governor.  In  accepting  the  chief  executive  office  of  his  State,  Dr.  Constantino  Nery  succeeded 
his  brother,  Dr.  Svlverio  Nery.  One  of  the  names  most  highly  esteemed  in  the  literary 
circles  of  Brazil  is  that  of  Baron  Santa  Anna  Nery,  another  brother  of  the  governor,  who  died 
a few  years  ago  in  Paris,  in  the  midst  of  a career  of  unusual  promise  and  brilliancy. 

Governor  Constantino  Nery  is  held  in  high  esteem,  not  only  for  his  superior  mental 
gifts,  but  also  because,  in  the  exercise  of  his  authority  as  ruler  of  the  State,  he  constantly 


396 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


demonstrates  that  it  is  his  purpose  to  promote  the  happiness  of  his  people  in  every  way. 
During  his  administration,  the  number  of  schools  has  increased  and  in  some  sections  the 

average  attendance  is  double  what  it  was  a few  years 
ago.  In  the  capital,  the  new  Constantino  Nery  School, 
the  Sylverio  Nery  groups,  and  others,  have  been  added 
to  the  institutions  of  instruction,  with  gratifying  results. 
The  governor  has  ordered  the  construction  of  several 
school  buildings  in  the  interior  of  the  State,  Humayta, 
Manicore,  and  Parintins  being  among  the  towns 
selected  for  the  location  of  new  school  groups.  As 
may  be  seen  from  the  illustrations  of  this  chapter, — 
made  from  photographs  by  the  artist  and  traveller, 
Mr.  George  Huebner,  who  has  a most  interesting  col- 
lection of  Amazon  views, — the  school  buildings  of 
Manaos  are  among  the  handsomest  and  most  sub- 
stantial in  the  republic. 

It  is  very  instructive  to  compare  the  wealth  of 
this  great  State  to-day,  represented  by  a revenue 
of  more  than  five  million  dollars  gold,  annually,  with 
the  amount  of  its  income  half  a century  ago,  when  the 
founder  of  the  province  and  its  first  President,  Tenreiro 
Aranha,  announced  that  the  annual  receipts  did  not  exceed  one  thousand  dollars.  The 
following  chapter  on  the  Acre  and  other  sections  of  the  rubber  country  will  afford  an 
idea  of  the  circumstances  which  have  combined  to  make  this  State  one  of  the  richest 
regions  of  the  globe. 


DR.  MANOEL  F.  SA  ANTUNES, 
SECRETARY  OF  STATE,  AMAZONAS. 


PATIO  OF  THE  AFFONSO  PENNA  INSTITUTE.  MANA'OS. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY 

'"THE  richest  rubber-producing  region  of  Brazil 
1 derives  its  name  from  a small  tributary  of 
the  Purus,  one  of  the  Amazon’s  great  southern 
affluents.  The  Acre  River  (pronounced  Ack'-ray) 
has  long  been  celebrated  for  the  vast  quantity 
and  superior  quality  of  rubber  collected  from 
the  trees  along  its  course,  and  the  region 
drained  by  this  river  has  gradually  come  to  be 
known  as  “the  Acre,”  a synonym  for  rich  rub- 
ber lands.  The  Acre  territory  occupies  that 
part  of  the  national  domain  lying  between  the 
upper  Madeira  and  the  Peruvian  border  which 
is  formed  by  a triangle  having  its  apex  at  the 
source  of  the  Javary  and  its  base  on  the 
boundary  line  between  Brazil  and  Bolivia,  from 
the  Peruvian  boundary,  near  the  source  of  the 
Acre  River,  northeastward  to  the  confluence  of 
the  Madeira  and  the  Abuna  rivers,  as  defined  in  the  Treaty  of  Petropolis.  The  three 
departamentos  into  which  the  Acre  is  divided,  viz.,  the  Alto  Acre,  Alto  Purus,  and  Alto  Jurua, 
are  all  enormously  productive  regions.  Alto  Acre  includes  the  district  drained  by  the 
Abuna,  Rapirran,  Iquiry,  Aquiry  or  Acre,  and  Alto-Antimary  rivers,  all  flowing  through 
forests  where  rubber  trees  abound.  Along  their  course  are  to  be  seen  the  establishments 
of  the  various  companies  engaged  in  the  rubber  trade,  and  also  the  huts  of  the  rubber 
gatherers.  Here  and  there  at  intervals  are  the  headquarters  of  various  missions  established 
by  the  Catholic  Church  for  the  purpose  of  civilizing  the  Indians  of  these  regions.  Every- 
where, little  rafts,  gaiolas  and  rowboats  are  navigating  the  rivers  and  streams,  carrying 
merchandise  between  ports.  The  forest  is  gay  with  the  brilliant  plumage  of  macaws, 

397 


HUT  OF  A SERINGUEIRO,  ACRE. 


398 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


toucans,  and  other  birds  of  the  tropics.  The  climate  varies,  being  more  healthful  near  the 
headwaters  of  the  various  rivers,  which  all  take  their  rise  in  the  foothills  of  the  Andes. 
The  low  lands,  where  the  humidity  is  very  great,  are  subject  to  conditions  that  make  malaria 
a prevalent  malady. 

The  Departamento  of  Alto  Purus  comprises  the  tract  lying  northwest  of  Alto  Acre  which 
is  watered  by  the  Yaco  and  the  Purus,  with  the  tributaries  of  the  latter,  including  the 
Chandless,  the  Curanja,  and  the  Curinja.  This  region  has  been  comparatively  well- 
explored,  all  the  great  naturalists  who  have  studied  the  flora  and  fauna  of  Amazonas  having 
visited  the  upper  Purus.  The  descriptions  given  by  these  travellers  vary  chiefly  according 
to  the  time  of  year  in  which  they  made  their  explorations  and  the  locality  where  their  stay 
was  most  prolonged.  In  some  sections  along  the  margin  of  the  Purus  the  mosquitoes 
assail  the  traveller  in  battalions  and  their  attacks  are  most  venomous;  while,  in  more 
favored  parts,  there  are  few  insects  and  the  climate  is  altogether  agreeable.  Alto  Jurua, 
the  name  given  to  that  section  of  the  Acre  which  is  drained  by  the  Jurua  River  and  its 
affluents,  extends  to  the  western  limit  of  Brazilian  territory,  and  is  noted  for  its  delightful 
climate,  with  the  exception  of  those  tracts  of  land  which  lie  in  the  lower  levels,  along 
the  main  stream.  There  are  few  cases  of  malarial  fevers,  and  these  of  a mild  nature,  the 
general  condition  being  healthful  and  pleasant. 

The  aspect  of  the  rubber  country  is  quite  unlike  that  of  any  other  region.  There  is 
little  to  indicate  that  it  is  the  centre  of  an  industry  of  world-wide  importance  as  one  ascends 
the  river  in  one  of  the  small  steamers  that  call  at  the  different  barracoes,  or  rubber  establish- 
ments, that  are  built  on  the  river  bank,  and  constitute  the  chief  settlements  in  these  remote 
forests.  The  manager  usually  lives  in  a comfortable  and  often  spacious  house  built  of  wood, 
sometimes  two  stories  in  height,  roofed  with  zinc  or  a thatch  of  Pachiuba  leaves,  the  rubber 
gatherer  being  content  with  a less  pretentious  abode  of  light  framework  covered  with  palm 
leaves.  The  scenery  of  this  tropical  region  is,  as  a rule,  limited  to  a view  of  the  river  banks, 
the  forest  reaching  to  the  water’s  edge  in  a dense  and  tangled  maze  of  intertwining  branches 
and  vines,  riotous  in  profusion  and  of  wonderful  size.  Nature,  indolent  and  drowsy,  seems 
to  breathe  only  in  the  faintest  zephyrs,  hardly  stirring  the  embowered  forest  and  never 
bringing  a ripple  to  the  surface  of  the  silent  streams.  Monkeys  chatter  in  the  trees  and  parrots 
scream  their  piercing  notes,  but  their  noise  soon  becomes  so  familiar  to  the  ear  as  to  make 
no  impression  in  the  midst  of  the  prevailing  stillness  that  overpowers  by  its  enveloping  spell. 

Since  the  Acre  territory  became  a part  of  Brazil,  the  government  has  devoted  especial 
attention  to  its  development,  and  not  only  has  the  question  of  its  industrial  possibilities 
occupied  the  administration,  but  plans  have  been  adopted  for  the  improvement  of  social 
conditions  by  the  establishment  of  schools,  churches,  etc.  Each  of  the  three  departamentos 
is  governed  by  a prefect,  who  is  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  republic,  and  whose 
duty  it  is  to  supervise  the  affairs  of  his  district  in  all  branches  of  the  public  service. 

Although  the  soil  and  climate  of  the  Acre  are  adapted  to  agriculture,  at  least  in  a large 
part  of  the  territory,  yet  it  is  from  the  rubber  trees  that  its  entire  revenue  is  derived  and  will 


THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY  . 


399 


continue  to  be,  at  least  until  immigration  peoples  this  section  with  farming  communities. 
The  history  of  the  development  of  the  rubber  trade  is  interesting  and  of  comparatively 
recent  origin. 

Not  until  1736,  when  the  famous  scientist  La  Condamine  introduced  rubber  into 
Europe,  was  this  product  of  the  Amazon  forest  known  to  the  civilized  world,  and  about 


MANAOS,  FROM  CONSTANTINOPOLIS. 


thirty  years  later  it  was  first  put  into  practical  use  by  one  of  the  great  artists  of  England. 
For  half  a century  its  sphere  of  usefulness  was  limited  to  the  erasure  of  pencil-marks,  from 
which  it  took  the  name  “rubber”;  until  the  celebrated  invention  of  Mackintosh  marked 
the  beginning  of  a new  era  in  its  history,  which  Goodyear’s  discovery  of  the  vulcanizing 
process,  in  1 843,  has  since  made  one  of  unlimited  importance.  It  may  now  be  regarded  as 
of  universal  necessity,  and  indispensable  to  the  comfort  of  millions  of  people,  so  quickly 
and  to  so  many  purposes  have  its  advantages  been  applied  in  the  course  of  modern  inven- 
tion. A failure  of  the  rubber  crop  would  be  one  of  the  greatest  disasters  that  could  overtake 
the  commercial  world,  and  yet,  only  half  a century  ago,  rubber  was  counted  among  the 
luxuries,  outside  of  Brazil.  Long  before  the  civilized  people  of  Europe  and  America  knew 
anything  of  the  uses  of  rubber,  especially  of  its  water-tight  properties,  the  Amazon  Indians 
employed  it  to  make  bottles  and  other  vessels  for  holding  liquids,  as  the  names  seringa  and 
borracha,  by  which  rubber  is  called  in  the  Amazon  country,  indicate;  though  borracha , 
meaning  a bottle,  is  said  also  to  refer  to  the  shape  in  which  it  is  exported.  The  rubber 


400 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


trees  are  known  to  the  natives  as  seringueiras,  and  rubber  gatherers  are  popularly  called 
seringueiros.  The  botanical  name  Hevea  guianensis  was  given  to  the  plant,  in  1777,  by  the 
French  scientist  Aublet,  who  studied  it  in  Guiana,  reporting  that  the  natives  there  knew 
it  by  the  name  heve,  the  Indians  of  other  sections  calling  it  seringa  and  caout-chouc. 
About  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  the  English  and  German  botanists  gave 
the  name  siphonia  to  the  rubber  trees  of  Para,  though  the  present  botanical  appellation  is 
Hevea  brasiliensis. 

In  general  appearance,  the  rubber  tree  of  the  Amazon  forest  is  altogether  different  from 
the  Ficus  elasiica  of  India,  with  its  glossy  dark-green  leaves,  and  resembles  rather  the 
European  ash  in  both  bark  and  foliage.  It  grows  to  a height  ranging  from  fifty  to  a 
hundred  feet,  and  has  an  average  girth,  at  a metre  above  the  ground,  of  about  five  feet, 
the  trunk  being  free  from  branches  for  almost  half  its  height.  The  blossoming  season  is 
August,  and  in  December  and  January  the  seeds  ripen  and  fall,  earlier  in  the  case  of  old 
than  of  young  trees.  The  seeds  grow,  sometimes  three  or  four  together,  in  a hard  shell 


STEAM  LAUNCHES  IN  THE  ALTO  PURUS,  ACRE. 


that  hangs  by  a short  stalk  from  the  upper  and  outer  branches  and  explodes  with  a loud 
noise  when  ripe,  scattering  its  contents  in  all  directions.  Of  the  many  varieties  of  the 


THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY 


401 


seringueira,  the  most  valuable  to  commerce  is  known  in  rubber  districts  as  casca  preta 
[black  bark],  and  grows  in  those  forests  that  are  neither  permanently  flooded  nor  yet  on 


RUBBER  GATHERERS  IN  THE  AMAZON  COUNTRY. 


high  land,  but  where  a great  amount  of  atmospheric  moisture  exists,  as  along  the  rain-drenched 
banks  of  the  Amazon  tributaries,  especially  in  the  south,  where  are  found  the  richest  rubber- 
producing  regions  at  present  known.  On  the  river  Acre  the  trees  are  so  prolific  that  one 
hundred  of  them  will  furnish  as  much  as  a ton  of  rubber  per  annum.  North  of  the 
Amazon,  the  Rio  Negro  and  Rio  Branco  tributaries  yield  a considerable  quantity.  Brazilian 
territory  at  present  known  to  produce  rubber  covers  over  a million  square  miles,  and  it 
is  believed  that  further  exploration  will  prove  this  estimate  to  be  far  below  the  actual 
area.  With  such  an  extensive  field  to  draw  from,  it  is  not  likely  that  much  will  be 
done  for  some  time  toward  planting  and  cultivating  rubber,  particularly  as  the  tree  requires 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  years  to  reach  maturity,  which  is  a long  time  for  capital  to  lie  idle; 
although  companies  have  already  been  formed  with  such  a project  in  view.  In  its  wild 
state  the  rubber  tree  gtows  among  other  trees  of  the  forest  promiscuously,  not  in  clusters 
or  groves  of  its  own.  One  of  its  peculiarities  is  that  it  will  not  grow  satisfactorily  on 
cleared  and  open  ground,  as  it  requires  the  shade  of  other  trees  and  the  still  air  from  the 


402 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


time  its  growth  begins  until  it  is  an  adult  tree.  Not  only  is  the  quality  of  the  milk  affected 
by  a lack  of  these  advantages,  but  the  tree  itself  has  been  known  to  die  soon  after  a clearing 
of  the  ground  around  it. 

The  milk  of  the  rubber  tree,  or,  as  it  is  scientifically  known,  the  latex,  is  quite  different 
from  the  sap,  and  is  only  of  nutritive  value  when  used  as  a reserve  of  water  in  cases  of 
drought,  its  extraction  not  being  in  any  way  harmful  to  the  life  of  the  tree,  as  is  sometimes 
reported.  If  allowed  to  rest  a few  years,  even  a completely  exhausted  tree  will  recover 
itself,  and  instances  are  known  where  trees  that  have  been  tapped  at  intervals  for  fifty 
years  still  yield  an  abundance  of  milk.  The  rubber  is  collected  in  the  dry  season,  between 
July  and  January,  the  processes  of  extraction  and  curing  being  particularly  interesting 
because  of  their  very  primitive  character.  The  “tapping”  of  the  tree  marks  the  beginning 
of  the  seringueiro' s work.  Having  built  his  little  hut  and  equipped  himself  with  the  neces- 
sary utensils,  consisting  of  an  axe,  a knife,  cups,  clay,  and  a calabash,  he  starts  out  for 
the  rubber  tree,  sometimes  cutting  his  way  through  dense  undergrowth  and  again  sinking 
knee-deep  in  mud  or  up  to  his  waist  in  water.  Arrived  at  his  destination,  he  attaches  the 
cup  to  the  tree,  and  with  his  axe  makes  a gash  in  the  bark,  being  careful  not  to  penetrate 
the  wood.  The  axe  used  for  this  purpose  is  very  small,  less  than  an  inch  wide,  and  wedge- 
shaped  in  order  to  prevent  its  making  too  deep  a cut  in  the  tree;  usually  an  upward  blow  is 
given,  making  an  oblique  incision  about  six  feet  above  the  base  of  the  trunk.  This  operation 
is  repeated  at  intervals  of  about  a foot  in  a line  all  round  the  tree  until  five  or  six  cups  have 
been  placed,  into  which  the  milk  flows  slowly.  The  next  day  a row  of  incisions  is  made 
just  below  the  first,  and  so  on  day  by  day  until  the  ground  is  reached,  when  the  same  pro- 
gramme is  begun  again,  this  time  between  the  former  rows.  A good  tree  will  yield  to  a 
height  of  twenty  feet  or  more.  Each  day  an  experienced  seringueiro  can  tap  as  many  as  a 
hundred  trees,  provided  they  are  comparatively  close  together.  Some  gatherers  tap  in  the 
morning  and  return  to  collect  the  milk  in  the  evening,  while  others  tap  in  the  evening 
and  collect  in  the  morning.  An  expert  collector  will  gather  as  much  as  seven  pounds  of 
rubber  a day  in  the  lower  Amazon  region,  but  about  three  times  that  amount  in  the  richest 
districts  of  the  upper  Amazon.  Rubber  trees  differ  greatly  in  their  yielding  capacity,  some 
being  very  quickly  exhausted,  while  others  continue  to  produce  for  many  years;  from  some 
the  daily  yield  is  much  greater  than  from  others,  and  some  do  not  yield  to  their  full  capacity 
when  first  tapped.  A systematic  division  of  labor  is  made  on  all  the  great  rubber  estates 
by  which  each  collector  has  his  hut  and  utensils  provided  and  a given  territory  to  work,  the 
trees  being  connected  by  paths,  or  estradas,  which  pass  a hundred  heveas  or  more,  forming 
a loop  that  takes  the  collector  back  to  his  starting  point  when  his  allotted  share  of  the  day’s 
tapping  is  finished.  As  the  latex  exudes  from  the  tree,  it  resembles  milk  both  in  color  and 
consistency,  the  caoutchouc  corresponding  to  the  butter  properties  in  milk;  the  fluid  part  of 
it  consists  of  water  with  very  small  quantities  of  albuminous  matter,  organic  acids,  and 
phosphates  in  solution.  The  seringueiro  usually  begins  tapping  about  daybreak,  after  a cup 
of  coffee,  which  serves  his  needs  until  nine  or  ten  o’clock,  when  this  part  of  his  work  is 


THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY 


403 

done  and  he  is  ready  for  breakfast.  After  breakfast,  he  returns  to  his  estrada,  taking  with 
him  a bucket  into  which  he  empties  the  cups  from  each  tree,  getting  back  again  to  his  hut 
about  noon  or  a little  later,  when  he  proceeds  to  prepare  his  day’s  collection  for  the  market 
by  a process  of  evaporation  which,  though  primitive,  has  been  proved  to  be  the  best  and 
least  expensive  yet  discovered  for  freeing  the  rubber  from  those  elements  that,  if  allowed  to 
remain,  would  cause  putrefaction  and  destroy  its  elastic  properties,  making  it  worthless  as 
an  article  of  commerce.  If  the  latex  is  left  standing  over  night  even,  it  loses  some  of  its 
value  by  fermentation  and  has  to  be  sold  as  second-class,  so  that  it  is  a regular  part  of  the 


CUTTING  AND  CLASSIFYING  RUBBER  FOR  EXPORT  FROM  MANAOS. 


day’s  work  to  smoke  the  rubber  each  day  as  it  is  collected.  A fire  is  built  of  palm  nuts, 
the  urucuri  being  the  best  for  the  purpose,  though  if  the  nuts  are  not  obtainable  ordinary 
wood  chips  are  made  to  serve  instead;  a funnel-shaped  chimney  is  then  placed  over  the 
fire,  through  which  the  hot  smoke  rises  in  a dense  column,  and  the  operator,  seating  himself 
beside  a bucketful  of  the  latex , pours  some  of  it  over  a paddle-shaped  stick  which  he  then 
holds  in  the  smoke,  turning  it  round  and  round  until  it  dries,  repeating  the  operation  until 
a large  ball  has  been  formed.  Sometimes  a pivot  is  arranged  and  a rotary  motion  secured 
which  does  faster  work  than  the  operator  in  smoking  the  balls;  but  the  paddle-smoked 
rubber  is  preferred  because  it  is  usually  more  thoroughly  dried  and  cured,  although  this 


404 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


method  is  very  injurious  to  the  eyes,  total  blindness  being  known  to  result  from  it  in 
some  cases.  An  expert  man  will  be  able  to  work  two  estradas  a day,  having  four  estradas 
in  his  territory  which  he  works  on  alternate  days;  it  is  said  that  such  a workman  can  collect 
as  much  as  a ton  of  rubber  a year.  The  season  for  collecting  rubber  lasts  only  about  five 
or  six  months  at  the  longest,  though  during  the  intervening  months  employment  may  be 
secured  in  gathering  brazil  nuts,  sarsaparilla,  and  other  products  of  the  forest,  that  are 
marketed  during  this  time.  Most  of  these  laborers,  however,  spend  in  the  winter  what 
they  make  in  the  summer.  It  is  not  an  uncommon  sight  on  the  steamers  plying  up 
and  down  the  Amazon  to  find  a seringueiro  transformed  after  a few  months’  work  into 
“a  gentleman  of  means,”  though  half  a year  later  will  usually  find  him  again  penniless 
on  his  way  to  the  rubber  camp,  so  improvident  are  these  hard-working  children  of  the 
forest.  No  doubt  the  irresistible  attractions  of  the  city,  long  denied,  prove  too  much  even 
for  the  stoutest  purse,  and,  like  their  seafaring  brethren  after  a long  absence  from  port, 
they  fall  easy  victims  to  the  sharpers  who  are  constantly  on  the  lookout  for  such  prey,  and 
part  with  their  hard-earned  money  before  appreciating  the  value  of  “ Poor  Richard’s”  warning 
against  paying  too  dearly  for  their  whistle.  On  the  other  hand,  instances  are  related  of 
poor  laborers  going  into  the  rubber  district  without  a penny  and  earning  enough  in  the 
course  of  time  to  enable  them  to  purchase  property  and  establish  themselves  in  business. 
So  much  depends  upon  the  man  in  any  sphere  of  life.  The  demand  for  labor  is  so  far 
in  excess  of  the  supply  in  these  regions,  that  the  proprietors  of  large  estates  find  great 
difficulty  in  filling  the  requirements  of  the  markets. 

There  are  usually  three  distinct  qualities  of  rubber  sold  to  commerce:  the  fine,  which 
has  been  thoroughly  dried  and  smoked  and  is  free  from  putrefaction ; the  medium,  or  entre- 
fine,  which  has  either  been  burnt  during  the  smoking  process  or  has  been  insufficiently 
smoked  and  in  consequence  has  putrefied;  and  the  sernambi,  which  consists  of  scraps 
mixed  with  peelings  from  the  bark  of  the  tree  and  miscellaneous  sorts.  The  raw  rubber  is 
subject  to  a loss  of  weight  during  its  transportation  that  is  frequently  a source  of  annoyance 
to  shippers.  This  loss  is  so  variable  that  no  exact  figures  can  be  made  a reliable  basis  of 
calculation,  and  unless  the  consignor  and  consignee  have  perfect  faith  in  each  other’s  integ- 
rity, there  is  often  occasion  for  doubt  regarding  the  actual  weight  of  the  shipment,  which 
is  sure  to  be  different  from  the  invoiced  statement  of  the  amount  as  it  left  the  shipper’s 
hands.  Rubber  that  is  kept  in  the  camps  in  remote  sections  and  shipped  only  once  a year 
loses  but  about  a tenth  of  the  weight  that  is  lost  by  newly-made  rubber  shipped  as  soon  as 
cured.  Three  or  four  per  cent  is  quoted  as  the  average  loss  in  shipments  from  Manaos  to 
foreign  ports.  Some  of  the  best  qualities  do  not  show  so  great  a reduction,  while  there  are 
inferior  kinds  of  rubber  that  double  that  percentage  of  lost  weight  in  transit. 

Brazil  practically  controls  the  rubber  trade  of  the  world,  reaping  a revenue  from  this 
source  that  reaches  an  average  of  fifty  million  dollars  a year.  The  States  of  Amazonas  and 
Para  are  the  great  rubber-producing  regions,  and  their  supply  is  practically  inexhaustible, 
though  the  scarcity  of  labor  limits  the  amount  exported,  so  that  as  the  demand  increases  the 


THE  ACRE  TERRITORY  AND  THE  RUBBER  INDUSTRY 


4°S 

price  is  raised,  being  nearly  double  to-day  what  it  was  twenty  years  ago,  notwithstanding 
that  the  supply  has  increased  enormously  within  that  time,  so  great  is  the  universal  call  for 
“ more  rubber.” 

The  amount  of  rubber  exported  by  the  State  of  Amazonas  during  the  year  1906  was 
nineteen  thousand  tons,  or  about  one-third  of  the  world’s  total  supply.  The  State  govern- 
ment encourages  the  industry  by  awarding  premiums  for  the  best  quality  of  rubber,  and  for 
the  best  process  of  curing  the  latex.  The  purpose  of  this  plan  is  to  promote  experiments 
which  may  result  in  the  discovery  of  a better  system  for  the  treatment  of  the  product  than 
that  which  is  used  at  present.  The  largest  shipments  of  rubber  are  from  the  Acre,  Purus, 


THE  SAO  VICENTE. 


Jurua,  and  Madeira  Rivers.  The  Jurua,  though  comparatively  a recent  field  of  exploitation, 
yields  more  than  three  thousand  tons  annually,  the  amount  being  still  larger  from  the  Acre 
and  the  Purus  rivers.  The  entire  exports  of  rubber  from  the  Amazon  countries  for  1906 
amounted  to  forty-three  thousand  tons,  of  which  three  thousand  passed  through  the  port 
of  Iquitos,  and  twenty-one  thousand  through  the  port  of  Para,  in  addition  to  the  shipments 
through  the  port  of  Manaos  as  previously  stated. 

The  outlook  for  the  Amazon  country  has  never  been  so  promising  as  it  is  at  the  present 
time.  The  Acre  territory  with  its  great  wealth  of  rubber  and  the  possibilities  that  exist  for 
its  development  as  one  of  the  richest  provinces  of  Brazil  agriculturally,  make  one  more  dis- 
posed than  ever  to  credit  the  judgment  of  the  men  of  science  who  have  pronounced  this 


406 


THE  NETH  BRAZIL 


the  garden  spot  of  the  tropics.  As  to  the  general  climate  of  the  State,  the  English  naturalist 
Wallace,  says:  “During  my  residence  in  the  Amazon  country,  the  thermometer  never  rose 
above  eighty-seven  degrees  Fahrenheit  at  midday  and  never  went  lower  than  seventy- 
four  degrees  at  night;”  and  the  explorer  Herbert  Smith  writes:  “I  travelled  through  the 
Amazon  country  for  four  years  and  never  had  a fever,  but  1 caught  one  in  Ohio,  where  I 
remained  less  than  a month.”  Present  prospects  indicate  that  the  next  decade  will  see 
marvellous  progress  in  the  valley  of  the  Amazon,  and  especially  in  that  part  of  it  which  has 
been  least  explored. 

Rubber  has  been  called  the  “Cinderella  of  civilization;”  crowded  into  obscurity  by  her 
more  gaily  decked  sisters  of  the  forest,  she  eclipses  them  all  in  real  worth,  the  fairy  Prince 
of  Commerce  seeking  in  vain  elsewhere  for  a queen  so  admirably  fitted  to  wear  the  crystal 
emblem  of  universal  travel  and  unique  destiny. 


TRANSPORTING  RUBBER  FROM  THE  ACRE. 


PRACA  VISCONDE  DE  RIO-BRANCO,  PARA. 


CHAPTER  XXV 


PARA 


In  the  heart  of  a rich  territory,  unsur- 
passed in  the  variety  and  abundance  of  its 
resources,  watered  by  that  great  inland  sea, 
the  Amazon,  and  nurtured  under  the  sunniest 
of  skies,  Para  possesses  everything  that 
nature  can  bestow  to  make  it  a land  of  hap- 
piness and  prosperity.  The  State  is  the  third 
largest  of  Brazil,  being  exceeded  in  extent 
only  by  Amazonas  and  Matto  Grosso;  it 
covers  more  than  a million  square  kilometres, 
or  a territory  sufficient  to  accommodate  more 
than  half  the  population  of  Europe.  By  the  recent  settlement  of  the  Guiana  boundary 
question,  the  area  of  the  State  has  been  greatly  increased.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,  being  separated  from  the  Guianas  by  the  Oyapoc  River,  the  Serra  do 
Tumuc-Humac,  and  the  Serra  do  Acarahy;  on  the  east  by  the  States  of  Maranhao  and 
Goyaz;  on  the  south  by  Matto  Grosso,  and  on  the  west  by  Amazonas.  In  the  southeastern 
part  of  the  State  are  the  highlands  belonging  to  the  great  central  tableland  of  Brazil ; here 

the  climate  is  temperate,  and  only  in  the  low  and  marshy  lands  is  there  great  heat  and 

409 


DR.  AUGUSTO  MONTENEGRO,  GOVERNOR  OF  PARA. 


WHATEVER  fruits  in  different  climes  are  found, 

That  proudly  rise  or  humbly  court  the  ground, — 
Whatever  blooms  in  torrid  tracts  appear, 

Whose  bright  succession  decks  the  varied  year, — 
Whatever  sweets  salute  the  northern  sky 
With  vernal  lives  that  blossom  but  to  die, — 

These  here  disporting  own  their  kindred  soil, 

Nor  ask  luxuriance  from  the  planter’s  toil: 

While  sea-born  gales  their  gelid  wings  expand, 

To  winnow  fragrance  round  the  smiling  land. 

GOLDSMITH:  The  Traveller. 


410 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


humidity.  According  to  Humboldt,  the  climate  is  “ more  equable  than  that  of  any  other  ob- 
served part  of  the  New  World.”  The  temperature  varies  but  little  from  twenty-five  degrees 

centigrade;  the  trade-winds  and 
the  rains  cool  the  atmosphere, 
making  the  nights  very  pleasant 
all  the  year  round. 

The  forest  wealth  of  this 
region  is  enormous;  but  its 
present  development,  already  a 
most  significant  factor  in  world- 
commerce,  is  merely  a trifle  of 
its  potential  value.  And  who 
shall  fitly  describe  the  Brazilian 
forest?  No  language  could  be 
deemed  extravagant  in  extol- 
ling its  splendor — the  magnifi- 
cent woods,  venerable  trees,  saplings,  vines,  parasites,  orchids,  and  ferns — from  the  tiny 
spire  of  grass  to  the  giant  branching  monarch — are  here  grouped,  massed,  and  interwoven 
in  a bewildering  picture  of  beauty  that  is  almost  without  parallel ! The  latest  claim  of 
this  region  to  universal  attention  was  established  a few  years  ago  when  the  increasing 
commercial  value  of  Para  rubber  made  this  portion  of  the  vast  Brazilian  territory  a great 
emporium  of  trade,  sought  by  eager  purchasers  from  all  parts  of  the  world.  The  State 
of  Para  was  among  the  last  to  receive  the  attention  of  the  Portuguese  government, 
which  permitted  the  French  to  establish  settlements  in  all  the  northern  ports  until  about 
the  year  1617,  when  Alexandre  de  Moura  was  sent  to  govern  this  territory.  He  drove 
out  the  French  from  Maranhao,  at  the  same  time  sending  Castello  Branco  as  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  government  forces  to  Para,  where  he  was  successful  in  gaining  posses- 
sion of  the  forts,  and  soon  afterward  laid  the  foundation  of  the  present  capital  city  of 
the  State,  which  is  familiarly  called  Belem,  or  Para,  though  the  correct  title  is  Santa  Maria 
de  Nazareth  de  Belem  do  Grao  Para,  in  honor  of  the  patron  saint,  Our  Lady  of  Nazareth. 
Following  Castello  Branco,  the  most  notable  of  the  early  governors  was  Pedro  Teixeira,  to 
whom  belongs  the  great  honor  of  extending  the  limits  of  Portuguese  possessions  in  Brazil 
to  the  river  Napo,  one  of  the  remote  tributaries  of  the  Amazon,  and  also  the  distinction  of 
giving  to  science  the  first  geographical  map  of  the  Amazon  region,  with  scientific  notes 
of  the  great  river.  His  voyage,  begun  in  1637,  lasted  two  years,  and  after  the  return  of  the 
expedition  Teixeira  took  charge  of  the  government,  in  1640.  Expeditions  up  the  Amazon 
during  the  eighteenth  century  brought  many  scientific  celebrities  to  Para,  and  their  writings 
are  filled  with  enthusiastic  praise  of  this  wonderful  country.  La  Condamine,  who  made 
the  voyage  in  1741,  returned  to  his  native  land  and  wrote  important  scientific  works 
concerning  this  region,  giving  to  Europe  the  first  information  regarding  its  most  important 


PARA 


4i  1 

natural  products,  including  rubber.  Gaspar  de  Lima  discovered  quinine  in  the  country 
about  this  time,  and  gold  was  found  in  the  Tapajos  River;  Joao  de  Azevedo  explored  the 
Tapajos  River  from  Matto  Grosso,  thus  establishing  communication  between  the  two  States. 
A few  years  later,  under  the  administration  of  Governor  Mendonga  Furtado,  who  was  a 
brother  of  the  Marquis  de  Pombal,  a system  of  military  colonization  was  introduced,  and 
the  military  settlements  Araguaya  and  Araguary  were  established.  The  handsome  palace 
of  the  governor,  among  the  finest  of  the  public  buildings  in  Brazil,  was  constructed  from  the 
design  of  the  celebrated  architect,  Lande;  and  the  first  industrial  establishments  of  the  State 
were  founded  about  the  same  time.  As  early  as  1760,  arrangements  were  completed  for 
constructing  the  navy  yard,  in  which,  during  recent  years,  have  been  built  some  of  Brazil’s 
best  men-of-war  and  gunboats.  The  first  census  was  taken  in  1880,  showing  a population 
of  eighty  thousand  inhabitants,  of  which  twelve  thousand  belonged  to  the  capital  city;  the 
present  population  of  the  State  is  seven  hundred  thousand,  and  the  capital  has  more  than 
one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.  The  inauguration  of  steam  navigation  on  the  Amazon 
River  in  1872  and  the  opening  of  the  Amazon  to  ships  of  all  nations  in  1867  were  powerful 
inf  uences  in  the  development  of  the  State.  When  the  republic  was  formally  proclaimed  in 
1889,  Para  was  among  the  first  to  accept  the  new  regime;  a governmental  junta  was  elected, 


PROCESSION,  FEAST  OF  NAZARETH. 


and  Para  was  declared  a Federal  State.  Of  all  the  Brazilian  States,  Para  has  the  greatest 
extent  of  seacoast,  nearly  seven  hundred  miles.  Numerous  lighthouses  along  the  coast 


412 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


and  on  the  river-bars  protect  the  pilots  in  these  waters.  It  is  said  that  only  the  most 
experienced  river  pilot,  and  one  who  has  been  especially  trained  for  the  Amazon  can 
safely  be  relied  upon  to  manage  the  course  of  a steamer  on  this  river,  in  consequence 


GOVERNMENT  PALACE,  PARA. 

of  the  constantly  shifting  river-bed,  the  islands  that  form  and  disappear  mysteriously, 
and  the  unaccountable  frequency  of  the  sandbanks,  especially  at  low  tide.  Its  geographical 
position  and  the  extent  of  its  navigable  rivers,  afford  the  State  of  Para  an  outlet  for  much 
of  the  trade  of  northern  Brazil  and  of  the  republics  of  Bolivia,  Peru,  and  Venezuela. 

The  State  is  watered  by  innumerable  rivers  and  small  streams  \igarapes ] that  find  an 
outlet  in  the  great  Amazon.  One  of  the  most  important  of  these  is  the  Trombetas,  which 
rises  in  the  Serra  do  Acarahy,  in  Guiana,  and  enters  the  Amazon  near  the  western  boundary 
of  the  State,  at  a place  called  Obydos,  a flourishing  port  and  the  centre  of  a rich  agricultural 
section.  The  Trombetas  is  navigable  for  a hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  has  several  tribu- 
taries, of  which  the  largest  are  the  Jamunda,  marking  part  of  the  boundary-line  between  the 
States  of  Para  and  Amazonas,  and  the  Cuminan,  which  comes  from  the  highlands  of  Brazilian 
Guiana  and  dashes  down  over  the  highest  cataracts  found  in  this  region.  The  rivers 
Tapajos,  Xingu,  and  Tocantins,  which  flow  into  the  Amazon  from  the  south,  water  the 
entire  southern  portion  of  the  State,  as  well  as  Goyaz  and  Matto  Grosso,  where  they  take 
their  rise.  These  rivers  are  obstructed  by  rapids  in  the  higher  courses,  though  navigable  at 
intervals  almost  throughout  their  whole  extent.  The  Tocantins,  with  a length  of  sixteen 
hundred  miles,  is  the  most  important  of  the  three  as  a highway  for  traffic;  it  is  fringed  with 


PARA 


413 


forests  of  castanha  trees,  and  the  cacao  and  rubber  industries  are  extensively  carried  on  in 
this  region.  In  the  upper  courses  of  the  river  the  climate  is  practically  delightful,  and  the 
mineral  wealth  is  abundant  The  Xingu  frequently  widens  in  its  course,  forming  great  lakes, 
and  in  the  upper  waters  it  doubles  back  on  itself  in  a huge  curve,  forming  rapids  and  cataracts 
that  interrupt  navigation  at  this  point.  Though  much  shorter  than  theTapajos  or  theTocantins, 
its  navigable  distance,  excepting  the  falls  just  referred  to,  is  greater.  The  Tapajos  enters  the 
Amazon  a few  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  Trombetas,  at  the  port  of  Santarem,  a prosperous 
shipping  centre  and  the  residence  of  many  North  Americans  who  settled  there  after  the  war 
of  the  Confederacy.  The  Xingu  forms,  at  its  mouth,  part  of  the  estuary  of  the  Amazon,  and 
the  Tocantins  enters  the  Para  River  south  of  Marajo  Island,  forming,  according  to  some 
authorities,  a river  system  entirely  separate  from  that  of  the  Amazon  and  its  tributaries. 
Marajo  Island  covers  an  area  of  more  than  forty  thousand  square  kilometres,  being  from 
east  to  west  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles,  and  from  north  to  south  one  hundred  miles;  it 


THEATRE  DA  PAZ,  PARA. 


contains  a number  of  towns  and  villages,  its  pasture  lands  support  three  hundred  cattle 
ranches,  and  from  its  forests  are  taken  some  of  the  best  qualities  of  Para  rubber,  though  its 
rubber  trees  have  been  overworked  because  of  their  easy  access  to  the  shipping  port. 


4i4 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  receipts  of  the  State  government  are  nearly  five  million  dollars  annually.  Rubber 
alone  contributes  to  the  State  and  municipal  incomes  nearly  twenty-five  per  cent  of  their 

total,  the  annual  crop  gathered 
in  this  State  amounting  to 
twelve  thousand  tons,  valued 
at  sixteen  million  dollars  gold. 
Next  to  rubber,  the  culture  of 
cacao  is  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant sources  of  revenue. 
Along  the  margins  of  the  Ama- 
zon and  theTocantins  the  cacao 
crops  are  most  abundant;  the 
development  of  the  product 
offers  especial  inducements,  as 
the  planting  is  easy,  and  in  this 
region  the  tree  bears  fruit  after 
three  years’  growth,  continuing  to  produce,  for  fifty  years  or  more,  two  crops  annually,  if 
kept  clean.  The  annual  export  of  cacao  averages  three  thousand  tons.  Brazil  nuts  are 
exported  in  large  quantities,  and  the  supply  is  practically  unlimited.  Mandioca  is  cultivated 
in  every  part  of  the  State,  the  farinha  constituting  an  important  article  of  food.  An  increas- 
ing tendency  is  shown  by  agriculturists  to  vary  the  products  grown  on  their  plantations;  and 
the  State  encourages  this  disposition  by  every  possible  means.  The  old  system  of  confining 
all  efforts  to  the  production  of  one  kind  of  harvest  has  proved  undesirable  from  many 
standpoints,  and  as  Para  has  a soil  and  climate  so  varied  in  different  sections  as  to  make  it 
possible  to  grow  everything  tropical  and  semi-tropical,  there  is  no  apparent  reason  why  its 
farms  should  not  supply  the  home  market,  and  even  provide  other  States,  with  many  food 
products  which  are  now  imported  from  Europe  and  North  America. 

An  encouraging  sign  of  industrial  enterprise  is  shown  by  the  statistics  of  1906  which 
state  that  more  than  three  million  pounds  of  tobacco  were  produced  during  that  year,  and 
that  four  million  litres  of  cachafa,  a native  alcohol,  were  manufactured.  The  fisheries  of 
the  State  furnish  a considerable  revenue,  and  stock  raising  is  constantly  growing  in  import- 
ance. Twenty  thousand  head  of  cattle  were  shipped  from  the  interior  to  the  capital  last 
year,  and  this  amount  represents  only  about  half  of  the  total  production.  Through  the 
activity  of  the  present  administration,  an  experimental  station  for  practical  agriculture  was 
founded  April  10,  1907,  for  the  purpose  of  stimulating  the  study  of  tropical  farming,  improv- 
ing the  methods  now  in  vogue,  and  introducing  scientific  processes  into  the  work  of  the 
farm.  The  institution  provides  a practical  education  in  farming  to  a class  of  poor  boys,  who 
are  cared  for,  fed  and  clothed  by  the  State;  and,  annexed  to  the  experimental  station  is  a 
plot  of  land  marked  off  in  one  hundred  lots  of  sixty  acres  each,  all  of  them  ceded  gratui- 
tously to  Brazilian  settlers.  A stock-breeding  station  and  a meteorological  bureau  are 


LAURO  SODRE  INSTITUTE,  PARA. 


PARA 


4G 

connected  with  the  establishment.  The  government  has  also  enjoyed  the  services  of  an 
expert  bacteriologist  to  study  the  maladies  to  which  cattle  and  horses  bred  in  the  State  are 
subject.  A post  has  been  established  on  the  island  of  Marajo,  where  experiments  are 
made  with  a view  to  improving  the  native  live  stock  by  importing  fine  horses  and  cattle 
from  other  countries.  Marajo  is  the  chief  centre  of  the  cattle  raising  industry,  though  there 
are  also  good  pasture  lands  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State. 

From  the  forests  of  Para  many  of  the  finest  qualities  of  hardwood  are  exported  for 
cabinet  purposes,  and  this  industry  is  still  in  its  infancy;  the  abundance  and  variety  of  this 
product  must  sooner  or  later  attract  the  attention  of  commerce  to  the  extent  of  increasing 
the  demand  and  providing  ways  and  means  to  introduce  it  on  a more  extensive  scale  to  the 
markets  of  the  world.  From  the  palms  that  abound  here,  delicate  fibres  that  are  as  fine  as 
silk  and  stronger  than  linen  are  extracted,  which  are  used  for  hammocks,  mats,  baskets, 
and  hats,  though  the  full  range  of  their  usefulness  has  never  been  measured.  The  medic- 
inal plants,  dyewoods,  gums,  and  oils  found  in  the  State  are  sufficient  to  meet  the  greatest 
demand.  Clays  of  beautiful  and  varied  colors,  suitable  for  fine  pottery,  are  found  through- 
out the  Amazon  district.  Gold  and  precious  stones  have  been  found  in  the  high  land,  also 
marble,  slate,  and  clays  fitted  for  ornamental  purposes.  The  manufacturing  industries  of 
Para  include  sugar-refineries,  saw-mills,  etc. 

The  social,  educational,  and  commercial  centre  of  the  State  is  its  capital  city,  Belem,  or 
as  it  is  more  generally  called  by  foreigners,  Para.  There  is  an  alliterative  proverb  with 


B1TTENCOURT  INSTITUTE,  PARA. 


respect  to  Para  indicative  of  the  fascinating  charm  which  the  city  possesses  for  strangers: 
“ Quem  vai para  Para  para,”  which  is  interpreted:  “Who  goes  to  Para  stays  there.”  Another 


4 1 6 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


version  of  the  same  saying  signifies:  “Who  comes  to  Para  is  glad  to  stay;  who  drinks 
assai  goes  never  away.”  The  assai  is  a native  beverage  made  from  the  fruit  of  the 

assai  palm,  which  produces  large  black  ber- 
ries resembling  grapes;  it  is  very  refreshing, 
and  is  one  of  the  most  popular  drinks  of  this 
region. 

This  picturesque  and  charming  city  offers 
many  attractions  to  the  foreign  visitor  in  its 
beautiful  tropical  gardens  and  broad  avenues 
shaded  by  trees  of  apparently  impenetrable 
foliage;  while  the  delight  of  its  spacious  bay 
fanned  by  cool  breezes  most  inviting  to  the 
beach  or  the  boating  party  makes  life  very 
pleasant  in  this  rich  equatorial  city.  The 
wealth  that  has  poured  into  Para  within  re- 
cent years  has  resulted  in  changing  it  within 
twenty  years  from  a quiet  city  of  fifty  thou- 
sand to  a modern  metropolis  of  more  than 
twice  that  number  of  inhabitants.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  delightful  places  of  residence  in 
northern  Brazil;  the  mean  annual  temperature 
is  about  eighty  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  it  is 
an  agreeable  fact  that  during  the  time  of  day 
when  the  heat  is  greatest  the  cooling  sea  breeze  is  strongest;  also,  during  the  hottest 
months  of  the  year  there  are  afternoon  showers,  lasting  about  an  hour,  that  cool  the 
atmosphere.  During  the  day,  the  parks,  avenues,  and  drives  are  deserted,  and  the  only 
evidence  of  activity  is  seen  in  the  commercial  streets  and  along  the  docks  and  wharves; 
but  in  the  evening  the  city  puts  on  holiday  dress,  and  all  is  gaiety  and  pleasure.  In 
the  Praqa  da  Republica,  and  the  Praqa  Visconde  de  Rio-Branco,  which  are  among  the 
beautiful  parks  ornamenting  the  city,  an  orchestra  plays  two  or  three  evenings  a week. 
The  leading  opera  house,  Theatro  da  Paz,  is  one  of  the  finest  in  South  America  and  over- 
looks the  Praqa  da  Republica;  large  and  fashionable  audiences  attend  nightly,  and  excellent 
European  companies  are  engaged  every  season  by  the  government  to  give  a series  of  operas. 
Handsomely  dressed  women  may  be  seen  promenading  in  the  Praqa  in  company  with  their 
escorts,  who  are  always  relatives,  and  a long  line  of  elegant  carriages  stands  every  evening 
in  front  of  the  fashionable  social  clubs,  one  of  which  is  the  “Sport  Club,”  situated  in  the 
most  attractive  section  of  the  city,  where  the  members  pass  away  the  evening  at  billiards, 
bowling,  gymnastics,  fencing,  or  the  more  restful  entertainment  of  cards  or  books.  On  the 
ladies’  evenings  the  club  rooms  are  transformed  into  reception  rooms,  decorated  with 
flowers  and  vines,  and  a programme  of  music  usually  takes  the  place  of  more  athletic 


DR.  ANTONIO  LEMOS,  INTENDENTE  OF  PARA. 


PARA 


417 


pastimes.  In  the  library  and  reading  room  the  principal  foreign  as  well  as  Brazilian  maga- 
zines and  newspapers  are  on  file.  For  visitors  there  is  a unique  attraction  in  the  museum 
and  the  botanical  garden,  which  differ  in  many  respects  from  similar  institutions  elsewhere, 
particularly  in  the  great  variety  of  rare  specimens  which  belong  exclusively  to  the  Amazon 
regions,  especially  of  the  animal  world.  Nowhere  are  to  be  seen  reptiles  larger  or  of  more 
variegated  coloring ; and  it  is  impossible  to  imagine  anything  more  gorgeous  than  the  plumage 
of  the  araras,  toucans,  and  parrots  that  are  as  much  at  home  here  as  in  the  freedom  of  their 
forest  haunts;  the  luxuriance  and  brilliant  coloring  of  foliage  and  blossoms  seen  in  the  botanical 
garden  are  typical  of  the  prodigality  of  Nature  in  everything  that  grows  in  this  favored  zone. 

In  the  public  buildings,  as  well  as  other  government  improvements,  the  city  gives 
proof  of  large  expenditure, 
but  at  the  same  time  judi- 
cious investment;  some  of 
the  handsomest  structures 
have  been  erected  for  edu- 
cational purposes.  Public 
instruction  comprises  pri- 
mary, secondary,  normal, 
technical,  and  professional 
courses.  The  first  is  given 
in  the  State  elementary  and 
primary  schools,  which 
have  an  average  attendance 
of  fifteen  thousand  pupils, 
in  the  Outeiro  Orphan 
Asylum,  and  in  the  Insti- 
tutes of  Prata  and  Ourem ; 
secondary  instruction  is 
given  at  the  Para  Lyceum, 
in  three  courses,  includ- 
ing a course  organized  ac- 
cording to  the  plan  of 
instruction  of  the  Gym- 
nasio  Nacional,  a course  of 
surveying,  and  a commer- 
cial course;  technical  and 
professional  instruction  is 
given  in  the  Para  Institute 

of  Mechanical  Arts,  which  is  a free  boarding-school  for  minors,  under  military  conditions, 
where  gratuitous  instruction  in  mechanical  arts  is  given.  There  are  five  workshops  in 


THE  BOSQUE.  PARA. 


4 1 8 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


connection  with  the  Institute,  equipped  respectively  for  the  work  of  carpenters,  blacksmiths, 
tailors,  tinsmiths,  and,  under  one  roof,  shoemakers,  curriers,  and  tanners.  When  the  pupil’s 

education  is  finished,  he 
serves  a term  in  the  State 
militia,  after  which  he 
obtains  his  discharge  or 
is  promoted.  The  school 
buildings  are  creditable 
to  the  city,  and  several 
are  particularly  hand- 
some establishments. 
When  Secretary  Root 
visited  Para  in  1906  he 
was  especially  impressed 
with  the  admirable  sys- 
tem of  public  instruction 
which  prevails  in  this 
State,  and  the  extraordi- 
nary degree  of  protection 
and  aid  extended  to  the 
poorer  classes.  He  spent  hours  in  the  various  institutions,  and  was  enthusiastic  in  praise 
of  them  all.  The  Lauro  Sodre  Institute,  which  is  one  of  the  best  technical  schools  in  South 
America,  wins  eulogies  from  all  who  have  occasion  to  pay  a visit  to  its  various  departments. 
It  is  installed  with  one  hundred  and  ten  machines  for  various  purposes,  such  as  printing, 
engraving,  bookbinding,  etc.,  and  free  industrial  training  is  given  to  four  hundred  boarding 
pupils,  who  are  provided  with  lodging,  food,  clothing,  and  instruction,  as  well  as  to  one 
hundred  day  pupils,  who  study  agriculture.  The  course  of  training  includes  all  the  trades, 
such  as  printing,  bookbinding,  decorating  and  painting,  carpentry,  boilermaking,  tanning, 
tailoring,  and  similar  branches,  as  well  as  practical  farming.  All  the  furniture  used  in  the 
schools  of  the  capital  is  made  by  pupils  of  the  Lauro  Sodre  Institute,  who  also  make  all 
the  uniforms  for  the  State  troops.  The  students’  brass  band  is  well-organized  and  is  a 
credit  to  the  Institute.  The  General  Bittencourt  Institute  and  the  Benjamin  Constant 
Lyceum  are  industrial  schools  of  high  standing,  and  the  State  Normal  School  shows 
increased  attendance  annually,  with  continued  improvement  in  the  standard  of  training 
acquired.  For  higher  education  the  Para  Law  School,  the  School  of  Pharmacy,  and  other 
institutions  have  been  established.  The  government  spends  nearly  a million  dollars 
annually  for  public  instruction,  and  subsidizes  a pedagogic  publication,  A Escola,  one  of 
the  best  in  South  America. 

The  governor  of  the  State,  Dr.  Augusto  Montenegro,  is  zealous  in  his  determination  to 
advance  the  State  in  everything  that  relates  to  the  well-being  of  its  people,  both  intellectually 


PARA 


419 


and  materially.  Not  only  has  his  attention  been  directed  to  the  importance  of  developing 
the  great  natural  resources  of  his  State,  but,  appreciating  his  responsibility  toward  the  rising 
generation  of  Para,  he  has  devoted 
his  talents  to  the  solution  of  the  prob- 
lems that  touch  the  future  as  well  as 
the  present  of  one  of  the  greatest 
States  of  Brazil.  Dr.  Montenegro  en- 
tered on  his  high  official  duties  at  the 
beginning  of  the  present  century.  He 
has  been  a prominent  figure  in  polit- 
ical life  from  the  first  days  of  his 
public  career,  and,  as  he  is  still  a 
young  man,  the  future  offers  particu- 
larly brilliant  prospects  for  the  realiza- 
tion of  his  highest  aspiration.  No 
other  arena  of  activity  presents  better 
advantages  for  the  fulfilment  of  noble 
aims  and  the  reward  of  earnest  endeavor  than  are  to  be  found  by  the  youth  of  Para  in 
their  native  State,  which  has  already  given  to  Brazil  many  of  her  great  scientists,  statesmen, 
orators,  and  journalists. 

Cooperating  with  the  State  government  in  all  its  progressive  movements  for  the  benefit 
of  the  country,  the  Intendente  of  the  Municipality  of  Belem,  Senator  Antonio  Lemos,  merits  the 
exalted  position  he  holds  among  the  great  men  of  his  State  as  a political  leader  of  unblemished 
patriotism  and  an  executive  chief  whose  ability  and  good  judgment  are  seen  in  every  feature 
of  the  municipal  administration.  He  has  done  everything  to  improve  the  State  capital, 
giving  especial  attention  to  its  sanitary  condition  and  to  the  hygiene  of  the  various  institu- 
tions of  charity,  the  hospitals,  schools,  etc.  The  police  are  well-drilled  and  efficient  in  their 
duties  and  public  order  is  perfectly  maintained.  The  churches  and  hospitals  are  worthy  of 
especial  mention,  particularly  the  old  cathedral,  and  the  hospitals  Santa  Casa  and  Beneficiencia 
Portugueza.  The  last-named  takes  care  of  about  two  hundred  patients  on  an  average,  and 
is  one  of  the  model  institutions  of  the  kind.  Electric  tramways  connect  every  part  of  the 
city,  which  is  lighted  with  electricity  and  has  complete  telephonic  and  telegraphic  communi- 
cation. A favorite  passeio  of  Para  is  the  beautiful  “ Bosque,”  which  has  been  made  an  ideal 
resort  through  the  efforts  of  Dr.  Lemos;  its  shaded  driveways,  winding  footpaths,  fountains, 
flowers,  and  rich  tropical  foliage  giving  evidence  of  the  artistic  taste  of  the  Intendente,  who 
has  designed  this  park  as  a bower  of  enchantment.  It  is  not  surprising  that  such  a public- 
spirited  leader  should  have  won  the  esteem  and  affection  of  the  citizens,  which  is  shown 
in  many  ways.  Dr.  Lemos  has  been  for  many  years  the  editor  of  A Provincia  do  Para, 
the  chief  newspaper  of  northern  Brazil,  and  one  of  the  most  important  in  the  republic, 
and  the  citizens  have  presented  him  with  a handsome  new  office  building,  a solid  and 


SMALL  SALA  IN  THE  MUNICIPAL  BUILDING. 


420 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


commodious  edifice,  fitted  up  with  all  the  modern  conveniences  of  a newspaper  plant, 
including  cases,  linotype  machines,  and  complete  office  furniture.  The  building  occupies 
a central  locality  and  is  a fitting  monument  to  the  genius  of  the  man  whose  pen,  no  less 
than  his  eloquent  voice,  has  been  constantly  employed  in  behalf  of  liberty  and  progress. 
O Jornal  is  one  of  the  important  daily  newspapers,  having  a circulation  of  fifteen  thousand 
copies,  and  there  are  several  weekly  periodicals  of  note. 

The  public  buildings  of  Para  are  substantial  and  some  of  them  are  very  handsome 
edifices.  The  old  palace  of  the  governor,  built  during  Pombal’s  time,  is  still  one  of  the 
attractive  edifices  of  the  city,  though  the  new  palace  adjoining  it,  used  by  the  legislative 
assembly  and  the  municipal  officials,  is  also  an  ornament  to  the  capital.  The  Alfandega,  or 
custom  house,  one  of  the  modern  additions  to  the  commercial  quarter  of  the  city,  presents 
a favorable  aspect  from  the  bay.  A splendid  public  library  ranks  among  the  community’s 
intellectual  attractions.  A charming  feature  of  the  city  of  Para  is  the  magnificence  of  the 
vegetation  in  the  tropical  forests  which  surround  it,  and  the  picturesque  view  that  stretches 


ESTRADA  DE  SAO  JERONYMO,  PARA. 


out  before  it  in  the  broad  open  harbor  with  its  busy  traffic.  The  city  lies  on  flat  land,  and 
seen  for  the  first  time  from  the  steamer  entering  the  harbor  the  impression  predominating  is 


PARA 


421 


one  of  color  rather  than  form;  it  is  “the  white  city”  before  one  has  had  time  to  decide 
whether  it  is  large  or  small,  old-fashioned  or  modern.  A nearer  view  modifies  this 
impression,  and  reveals  a busy  commercial  sea- 
port, with  evidences  of  Portuguese  architecture 
in  the  houses  characteristically  decorated  with 
ornamental  tiles,  though  the  streets  have  been 
broadened  and  beautified  under  the  present  ad- 
ministration. The  spacious  pragas,  and  the 
towering  trees  that  ornament  the  broader  and 
more  modern  avenues  of  the  city,  heighten  the 
picturesque  general  effectiveness.  Para  is  the 
seat  of  the  bishopric  of  Belem,  and  the  episcopal 
palace  is  one  of  the  most  important  edifices  of 
the  capital. 

Arrangements  have  been  completed  for  the 
improvement  of  the  port  of  Para,  and  work  will 
begin  at  once.  The  enterprise  is  in  charge  of 
Sir  Weetman  Pearson,  of  the  English  firm  of 
Pearson  and  Company,  under  whose  direction 
were  built  the  great  docks  of  Vera  Cruz,  Mexico, 
and  many  other  public  improvements  effected  in 
that  progressive  republic.  Every  year  Para  presents  a more  modern  appearance,  in  keeping 
with  the  advancement  that  is  being  made  in  every  department.  Governor  Montenegro  has 
greatly  improved  the  railways  of  the  State  and  has  made  several  important  extensions. 

Besides  the  capital,  the  State  has  two  thriving  ports  on  the  Amazon,  Santarem  and 
Obydos,  and  a number  of  other  growing  cities.  Santarem,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Tapajos  River,  is  the  chief  shipping  centre  for  an  extensive  region,  most  of  the  exports  of 
northern  Matto  Grosso,  as  well  as  those  of  southwestern  Para,  being  carried  through  this 
port.  The  city  has  many  large  public  buildings,  the  municipal  palace,  which  occupies  the 
centre  of  Sao  Sebastian  square,  being  one  of  the  most  important  edifices.  A theatre,  built 
by  private  citizens  and  presented  to  the  municipality  in  1897,  a new  market  place,  several 
schools,  and  churches  are  among  the  prominent  buildings.  Santarem  is  the  seat  of  the 
bishopric  of  Lower  Amazonas,  which  was  created  in  1904.  It  is  a manufacturing  centre, 
several  steam  saw  mills,  distilleries,  and  factories  of  various  kinds  being  located  in  the  city. 
Braganga,  connected  with  the  capital  by  railway,  is  a prosperous  town  of  twenty  thousand 
people;  it  is  situated  on  the  Gurupy  River,  which  divides  the  State  of  Para  from  that  of 
Maranhao,  and  is  near  the  northern  seacoast.  Braganga  occupies  a picturesque  site  on  a 
sloping  hillside  and  is  beautified  by  many  shade  trees.  Its  pragas  and  avenidas  are  well- 
paved,  six  public  gardens  being  filled  with  trees  and  flowers.  The  municipal  palace  is  in 
Deodoro  da  Fonseca  praga,  which  is  surrounded  by  many  beautiful  residences  as  well. 


422 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


Cameta,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Tocantins,  has  an  important  trade  in  castanha  nuts,  cacao, 
and  other  products;  Monte  Alegre  is  noted  for  the  salubrity  of  its  climate;  Pinheiro  is  a 
favorite  suburb  of  Belem,  with  which  it  is  to  be  connected  by  railway,  and  there  are  several 
other  towns  of  rising  importance.  The  immigration  bureau  of  the  State  is  making  judicious 
efforts  to  attract  foreign  colonies,  and  the  outlook  for  desirable  immigration  is  favorable. 
Apropos  of  this  subject,  one  is  reminded  of  the  incisive  and  eloquent  language  of  Coudreau: 
“Progress  is  indefinite;  no  race  is  its  perpetual  keeper.  It  is  like  a legacy,  bequeathed  by 
the  race  which  disappears  to  the  one  which  succeeds.  Its  course  is  onward;  it  has  already 
moved  westward  toward  Europe;  it  has  already  actually  moved  from  Europe  to  America. 
Why  should  not  centuries  to  come  see  upon  the  banks  of  the  Amazon  their  most  magnifi- 
cent flourishing,  as  early  centuries  saw  their  manifestations  upon  the  banks  of  the  rivers  of 
Egypt  and  India?” 


CUSTOM  HOUSE,  PARA 


CHAPTER  XXVI 


MARANHAO 

/COVERING  an  area  of  nearly  two  hundred  thou- 
sand  square  miles,  Maranhao  ranks  sixth  in  size 
among  the  Brazilian  States,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
important  in  political  and  intellectual  advancement. 
Its  history  reveals  in  bright  colors  the  brave  spirit 
and  unwavering  patriotism  of  a people  who  have 
given  to  Brazil  some  of  its  most  distinguished  leaders, 
and  to  whom  is  due  the  successful  issue  of  many  of 
its  severest  struggles  against  invasion  and  oppres- 
sion in  the  early  days  of  its  history.  The  territory 
of  Maranhao  was  originally  bestowed  on  the  Portu- 
guese historian  and  statesman,  Joao  de  Barros,  in 
1^34;  but  two  expeditions  sent  out  by  him  to  colo- 
nize the  capitania  were  shipwrecked,  and  the  attempt 
was  abandoned.  The  first  successful  effort  to  estab- 
lish a settlement  was  made  by  the  French  under  the 
direction  of  La  Ravardiere,  in  1612,  on  the  island  of 
Sao  Luiz,  where  the  present  State  capital  is  situated, 
named  Sao  Luiz  in  honor  of  King  Louis  XIII.  of  France,  though  it  has  always  been  more 
commonly  known  as  Maranhao.  The  French  were  expelled  a few  years  later  by  the 
intrepid  Brazilian  warrior,  Jeronymo  de  Albuquerque  Maranhao,  a nephew  of  Duarte  Coelho, 
of  Pernambuco.  In  recognition  of  his  services,  the  brave  soldier  was  appointed  capitao-mor 
by  the  Portuguese  governor-general  Alexandre  de  Moura,  under  whose  administration  the 
division  of  the  Brazilian  government  into  the  two  States  of  Maranhao  and  Brazil  was  made 
in  1624,  during  the  union  of  the  Spanish  and  Portuguese  crowns. 

The  governor-general  of  the  State  of  Maranhao,  which  comprised  the  capitanias  of 

Ceara,  Piauhy,  Para,  and  other  north  Brazilian  provinces,  afterward  removed  his  residence 

423 


STATUE  OF  GONCALVES  DIAZ. 


424 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


to  Para,  leaving  the  capitdo-mor  to  govern  in  Maranhao,  until,  in  1774,  subordinate  governors 
were  appointed  under  a capitao-general,  and  the  subsequent  separation  of  the  States,  as  else- 
where mentioned,  was  followed  by  the  division  of  the  whole  country  into  provinces,  a 


AVENIDA  MARANHENSE,  SHOWING  GOVERNOR’S  PALACE  ON  THE  RIGHT. 


system  which  remained  in  force  throughout  the  imperial  regime.  During  the  Dutch 
invasion,  Maranhao  was  the  scene  of  many  heroic  conflicts,  one  of  her  greatest  leaders  in 
this  war  being  the  brave  captain  Antonio  Teixeira  de  Mello,  whose  memory  is  still  honored 
in  the  annals  of  Maranhao. 

The  State  is  mountainous  in  the  southern  part,  gradually  sloping  northward,  and 
forming  extensive  plains  along  the  seacoast.  Several  large  rivers  drain  the  territory.  The 
eastern  boundary  is  defined  by  the  Parnahyba,  which  takes  its  rise  in  the  Tabatinga  Moun- 
tains at  the  junction  of  the  four  States  of  Goyaz,  Bahia,  Piauhy,  and  Maranhao;  the  western 
border  is  marked  partly  by  the  Tocantins  and  partly  by  the  Gurupy.  In  the  interior  of  the 
State  the  chief  rivers  are  the  Mearim,  navigable  in  winter  for  two  hundred  miles,  with 
several  important  tributaries;  the  Itapicuru,  navigable  for  five  hundred  miles;  the  Monim, 
Tury-assu,  Uru,  and  Cururupu.  The  most  populous  sections  of  the  State  are  along  the 
coast  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  navigable  rivers,  the  reason  being  apparent  in  the  greater 
facilities  provided  in  these  districts  for  the  transportation  of  products.  The  climate  is 
healthful,  except  in  some  of  the  low  lands,  where  intermittent  fevers  are  prevalent  during 
the  rainy  season.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  yields  profitable  harvests  of  cotton,  sugar  cane, 
tobacco,  coffee,  and  cereals.  Cattle  raising  flourishes  on  the  plateaus  of  the  interior.  The 
social  and  industrial  progress  of  the  State  has  been  as  creditable  as  the  record  of  its  political 
advancement. 


MARANHAO 


42  £ 


Several  steamship  lines  ply  up  and  down  the  coast  and  along  the  river  routes  of  the 
State.  A coast  line,  belonging  to  the  Maranhao  Steam  Navigation  Company,  is  subsidized 
by  the  Federal  government  to  facilitate  traffic  between  Maranhao  and  other  States  of 
northern  Brazil.  Its  steamers  are  new  and  well-built,  five  of  them  having  recently  arrived 
from  the  British  builder’s  shipyard.  The  same  company  has  a number  of  smaller  boats  for 
river  trade,  though  the  Companhia  Fluvial  Maranhense  has  a subsidy  from  the  State  govern- 
ment for  service  on  the  rivers,  and  has  five  steamers  engaged  in  this  navigation.  The 
extent  of  navigable  rivers  makes  the  question  of  overland  transportation  one  of  secondary 
importance,  though  there  is  a railway  line  in  operation  between  the  river  ports  Caxias  on 
the  Itapucuru,  and  Cajazeiras  on  the  Parnahyba.  A railway  has  been  projected  to  con- 
nect Caxias  with  Porto  Franco  on  the  western  boundary  of  the  State.  The  construction 
of  this  railway  will  greatly  facilitate  the  development  of  the  rich  resources  of  the  interior, 
and  especially  the  mineral  wealth,  which  is  abundant.  Gold  has  been  found  in  large 
quantities,  and  valuable  copper  and  iron  ores  exist  in  the  vicinity  of  Grajahu  and  else- 
where; and  granite  of  a very  fine  quality  was  discovered  recently  by  the  present  governor, 
Dr.  Benedicto  Leite.  The  annual  exports  of  the  State  amount  to  more  than  two  million 
dollars  in  value.  The  population  of  Maranhao  is  seven  hundred  thousand,  the  capital  city 


PRAQA  JO  AO  LISBOA. 


of  Sao  Luiz  having  fifty  thousand  inhabitants.  The  city  is  located  on  the  island  of  Sao  Luiz, 
and  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  in  northern  Brazil.  It  has  been  called  “a  city  of  little 
palaces,”  from  the  modest  size  but  solid  structure  of  its  edifices,  which  are  remarkable  both 


426 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


for  their  substantial  appearance  and  their  architectural  beauty.  The  chalet  of  Dr.  Carlos 
Coelho  is  an  ideal  tropical  residence,  with  its  broad  verandahs  and  large  windows,  over- 
looking a beautiful  garden  filled  with  flowers  and  ferns.  The  Maranhense  dispenses 


RUA  DO  SOL. 


hospitality  with  charming  grace  and  liberality.  The  city  is  beautified  by  broad,  shaded 
streets  and  many  pranas,  of  which  the  handsomest  is  that  of  Carmo,  the  site  of  the  historic 
church  and  convent  of  Nossa  Senhora  do  Carmo,  which  is  honored  as  the  last  resting-place 
of  the  distinguished  journalist  Joao  Lisboa,  who,  as  the  editor  of  the  Jornal  de  Timon,  won 
national  fame  among  the  political  writers  of  the  empire.  The  Praga  do  Palacio,  in  which  are 
situated  the  palace  of  the  president,  the  bishop’s  palace,  the  municipal  buildings,  and  other 
legislative  offices,  overlooks  the  old  fort  of  Sao  Luiz,  better  known  as  the  baluarte,  or  great 
bastion,  divided  into  two  parts,  named  respectively  Sao  Cosme  and  Sao  Damiao.  The 
governor,  Dr.  Benedicto  Leite,  has  so  beautified  this  public  garden  that  it  is  one  of  the  most 
picturesque  pragas  of  the  capital. 

In  the  Praga  dos  Remedies  stands  a handsome  monument,  erected  to  the  memory  of 
one  of  Maranhao’s  most  illustrious  sons,  the  great  lyric  poet  of  Brazil,  Antonio  Gongalves 
Dias.  It  is  a marble  column  representing  the  palm  tree,  which  the  poet  loved  so  well, 
the  capital  of  the  column  carrying  out  the  design  in  a tuft  of  palm  leaves  wrought  in  the 
sculptor’s  best  art;  the  height  of  the  monument  is  about  seventy-five  feet.  On  the  four 
sides  of  the  pedestal  are  medallions  of  the  famous  Maranhenses,  Joao  Lisboa,  Sotero  dos 
Reis,  Gomes  de  Souza,  and  Odorico  Mendes.  Near  to  the  Praia  da  Trinidade  stands  the 
cathedral,  one  of  the  largest  in  Brazil,  in  the  crypt  of  which  lie  buried  all  the  past  bishops 
of  Maranhao  and  many  of  the  presidents;  the  convent  of  Santo  Antonio,  situated  near  the 


MARANHAO 


427 


cathedral,  is  famous  as  having  been  the  scene  of  the  inspired  offices  of  many  noted  friars, 
and  is  honored  as  the  last  resting-place  of  the  renowned  botanist  Dr.  Correa  de  Lacerda. 
The  educational  and  charitable  institutions  are  numerous,  among  the  most  important  being 


COTTON  MILLS,  MARANHAO. 


the  Escola  Popular  Onze  de  Agosto,  the  Lyceu  Maranhense,  Casa  da  Misericordia,  Asylo  de 
Meninas  Desvalidas  [orphans’  asylum],  Hospital  Beneficencia  Portugueza,  and  numerous 
seminaries.  The  Model  School,  which  was  founded  by  the  governor,  is  one  of  the  best 
institutions  of  its  kind  in  Brazil. 

The  manufacturing  interests  of  the  capital  are  various,  the  most  important  being  the 
cotton  mills  of  the  Companhia  Fabril  Maranhense,  the  present  director  of  which  is  Senhor 
J.  M.  A.  Santos.  Their  two  factories  have  seven  hundred  looms,  and  employment  is 
furnished  for  a thousand  operatives.  There  are  several  other  cotton  mills  of  importance, 
this  industry  being  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  revenue  to  the  State. 

The  second  city  of  importance  in  the  State  is  Caxias,  the  birthplace  of  Gongalves  Dias, 
a prosperous  city  of  thirty  thousand  inhabitants.  Situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Itapicuru 
River,  and  commanding  a large  share  of  the  commerce  of  the  interior,  especially  in  cotton, 
tropical  plants,  and  cattle,  Alcantara,  a city  of  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  lies  on  the  north- 
western shore  of  the  bay  of  Sao  Jose,  which  separates  the  island  Sao  Luiz  from  the 
mainland.  It  is  a seaport,  and  is  especially  famous  for  the  exportation  of  fine  cocoanuts. 


428 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Mongao,  on  the  river  Pindare,  is  a thriving  market  for  the  cattle  brought  in  from  the 
interior  plateaus,  and  even  from  the  valley  of  the  Tocantins.  Itapicuru-mirim  is  also 
a growing  cattle  market.  The  port  of  Bareirinhas,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  is 
gaining  importance  through  the  extensive  manufacture  of  brandies.  Vianna  is  a rich 
agricultural  centre. 

A new  era  of  progress  has  opened  for  Maranhao  in  common  with  all  the  States  of 
Brazil.  The  awakening  of  its  people  to  the  opportunities  afforded  for  great  industrial 
development  under  conditions  that  are  constantly  improving,  has  resulted  in  the  establish- 
ment of  new  enterprises  and  in  general  commercial  expansion.  Lloyd  Brazilian  steamers 
call  here  en  route  to  and  from  New  York,  and  vessels  belonging  to  English,  American,  and 
German  companies  make  regular  trips  between  this  port  and  Europe  or  North  America. 
The  recent  harbor  improvements  have  greatly  increased  its  commercial  facilities.  In  the 
march  of  progress,  the  destinies  of  Maranhao  have  been  directed  by  statesmen  of  courage 
and  foresight,  who  have  devoted  their  energies  to  promoting  its  best  interests.  The  present 
governor,  Dr.  Benedicto  Leite,  has  been  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  improve  existing  conditions 
and  to  bring  still  greater  honor  and  credit  to  Maranhao,  the  State  which  has  always  been 
famous  for  the  refinement  and  intellectuality  of  its  people.  It  is  here  that  the  purest  Portu- 
guese is  spoken  in  Brazil,  and  here  the  social  life  is  most  charming.  The  press  is  represented 
by  newspapers  which  have  literary  as  well  as  news  interest,  the  Revista  del  Norte  being  one 
of  the  best  periodicals  of  northern  Brazil.  Under  the  present  administration,  a new  impetus 
has  been  given  to  every  feature  of  progressive  endeavor,  and  the  results  are  seen  not  only 
in  the  development  of  the  State  at  large,  but  also  in  the  transformation  of  its  capital,  which 
is  progressing  steadily  along  the  lines  of  public  and  private  conveniences  while  acquiring 
added  beauty  and  enhanced  civic  pride. 


AVENIDA  SILVA  MAYO. 


CHAPTER  XXVII 

MATTO  GROSSO,  GOYAZ,  AND  PIAUHY 

IV [ EARLY  one-third  of  the  whole  territory  of 
^ ^ Brazil  lies  in  the  three  States  of  Matto 
Grosso,  Goyaz,  and  Piauhy,  bordering  on  the 
northern  group,  Amazonas,  Para,  and  Maranhao, 
to  which  they  are  similar  in  natural  resources 
and  climate.  Matto  Grosso  and  Goyaz  extend 
over  an  important  part  of  the  central  tableland  of 
Brazil  and  mark  the  dividing  line  between  the 
two  gigantic  river  systems  of  the  South  American 
continent, — the  Amazon  and  La  Plata, — while 
Piauhy,  stretching  inland  from  the  northern  coast 
and  bordering  Maranhao  on  the  west,  and  Ceara, 
Pernambuco,  and  Bahia  on  the  east,  combines 
the  characteristics  of  both  the  northern  and  the 
eastern  coast  States,  having  also  in  the  extreme 
south,  where  it  borders  on  Goyaz,  some  of  the 
features  that  prevail  in  the  central  Brazilian  States. 

The  history  of  the  discovery  and  develop- 
ment of  Matto  Grosso  and  Goyaz  is  a record  of 
early  adventure,  followed  by  the  steady  progress 
that  attends  a more  regular  system  of  industrial  enterprise.  The  Paulistas  were  the  first  to 
penetrate  the  depths  of  their  forests  and  to  navigate  their  innumerable  rivers  in  an  effort 
to  settle  the  country;  but  the  discovery  of  gold  in  these  States  in  the  eighteenth  century, 
brought  in  its  train  hosts  of  eager  gold  hunters  and  diamond  seekers,  whose  number 
continually  increased  until  the  more  accessible  mines  of  Bahia  and  Minas  Geraes  turned  the 
gold  hunter’s  attention  to  those  regions.  Both  States  originally  belonged  to  Sao  Paulo,  until, 

about  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  each  was  made  an  independent  capitania; 

429 


430 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Matto  Grosso  under  the  administration  of  Rolim  de  Moura,  and  Goyaz  under  Marcos  de 
Noronha,  afterward  Count  of  Arcos.  According  to  excellent  authority,  the  gold  secured 
toward  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  from  the  locality  now  occupied  by  the  city  of 
Cuyaba,  in  Matto  Grosso,  amounted  in  one  month  to  twelve  thousand  pounds’  weight, 
taken  from  diggings  of  less  than  three  feet  in  depth,  and  equally  astonishing  discoveries 
were  made  in  Goyaz,  at  about  the  same  period.  The  mining  of  those  pioneers  was  attended 
with  the  greatest  danger,  in  consequence  of  the  hostility  of  the  Indians,  who  destroyed  whole 
settlements  of  the  gold  diggers,  and  effectually  checked  the  industry.  Now  that  modern 
enterprise  is  opening  up  this  rich  territory  by  the  construction  of  railroads  to  traverse  even 
the  most  remote  sections,  the  prospect  is  excellent  for  a revival  of  mining  on  a larger  scale, 
and  perhaps  with  even  more  astonishing  results. 

Both  Matto  Grosso  and  Goyaz  have  an  extensive  area  of  mountainous  regions  and' 
plateaus,  and  in  each  there  are  low  lying  tracts  of  land  along  some  of  the  river  courses. 
Goyaz  extends  farther  north  than  Matto  Grosso,  though  not  so  far  south,  and  its  area  is  less, 
covering  twenty  thousand  square  leagues,  while  Matto  Grosso  has  fifty  thousand  square 
leagues.  The  outline  of  the  two  States,  which  together  occupy  the  most  central  position 
on  the  map  of  South  America,  is  heart-shaped ; the  apex  is  formed  by  the  southern  part  of 
Matto  Grosso  where  it  touches  the  boundaries  of  Sao  Paulo,  Parana,  and  the  republic 
of  Paraguay;  Goyaz  touches  the  western  limits  of  Minas  Geraes,  Bahia,  Piauhy,  and 
Maranhao ; Matto  Grosso  marks  the  eastern  boundary  of  Bolivia  and  the  southern  boundary 
of  Amazonas;  and  both  States  extend  north  as  far  as  the  southern  boundary  of  Para. 

The  mineral  wealth  of  Matto  Grosso  includes  gold,  iron,  silver,  platinum,  copper,  lead, 
diamonds,  agates,  mica,  limestone,  fine  qualities  of  plastic  clay,  granite,  and  marbles.  Hard- 
woods used  for  cabinet  purposes,  dyewoods,  medicinal  plants,  and  rubber  are  exported  in 
increasing  quantities  annually.  Sugar  cane,  coffee,  tobacco,  rice,  and  other  staple  articles 
grow  with  little  cultivation.  Immense  herds  of  cattle  graze  on  the  plateaus  and  hillsides, 
and  the  exportation  of  hides  forms  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  revenue.  Yerba  mate  of  a 
fine  quality  comes  from  this  State.  Although  the  principal  means  of  transportation  from 
Matto  Grosso  at  present  is  either  via  La  Plata  River  and  its  tributaries  or  the  Madeira  and 
the  Amazon,  yet  every  indication  points  to  the  early  completion  of  railway  communication 
between  Matto  Grosso  and  Rio  de  Janeiro,  which  will  greatly  facilitate  the  export  trade. 
Steamers  that  make  the  voyage  to  Matto  Grosso  via  La  Plata  stop  at  Corumba  on  the  south- 
western frontier,  where  the  business  of  the  custom  house,  or  alfandega,  of  the  State,  is 
transacted.  Corumba  is  a busy  little  town,  occupying  a picturesque  site  on  the  brow  of 
a hill  overlooking  the  river;  it  is  the  chief  shipping  port  for  a large  territory,  and  has  a 
thriving  trade  with  the  interior  towns  and  villages.  From  Corumba  to  the  State  capital, 
Cuyaba,  a distance  of  several  hundred  miles,  the  trip  is  made  by  smaller  steamers  via  the 
Sao  Lourengo  branch  of  the  Paraguay  River.  The  scenery  along  this  route  is  intensely 
tropical,  and  vegetation  presents  the  most  exaggerated  specimens  to  be  found  on  the  face 
of  the  globe;  the  same  is  true  of  the  Guapore  River  banks,  where,  according  to  scientific 


MATTO  GROSSO,  GOYAZ,  AND  P/AUHY 


4A 


authority,  a commission  appointed  by  the  government  to  explore  this  region,  in  1 875",  discov- 
ered a climbing  palm,  belonging  to  the  Calamus  procumbens  variety,  which  measured  seven 
hundred  feet  in  length  and  was  scarcely  half  an  inch  thick.  The  foliage  qf  trees  and  vines 
of  every  description  grows  to  incredible  proportions;  nowhere  are  more  beautiful  water- 
lilies  to  be  found  than  the  Victoria  Regia  of  these  regions;  the  cotton  tree,  from  the  long 
silky  fibre  of  whose  blossoms  is  obtained  a most  admirable  substitute  for  feathers  in  filling 
pillows  or  cushions,  grows  wild  here. 

Cuyaba,  the  capital  of  Matto  Grosso,  is  a city  of  about  thirty  thousand  inhabitants, 
situated  in  the  central  part  of  the  State,  a mile  or  two  from  the  steamboat  landing,  with 
which  it  is  connected  by  street  cars.  The  city  was  founded  soon  after  the  discovery  of 


CHURCH  IN  CUYABA.  CAPITAL  OF  MATTO  GROSSO. 


gold,  early  in  the  eighteenth  century,  upon  the  site  of  the  richest  deposit.  It  lies  between 
the  hills  of  Boa  Morte  and  Prainha,  and  is  traversed  by  a small  stream,  an  affluent  of  the 
Sao  Lourengo.  So  rich  in  gold  is  this  region  that  specimens  of  the  precious  metal  are 
frequently  found  in  the  streets  after  a heavy  rain.  The  city  has  many  modern  improve- 
ments, such  as  street  car  lines,  waterworks,  a very  beautiful  praga,  overlooking  which  are 
the  government  buildings  and  the  palace  of  the  bishop;  excellent  schools,  including  the 
Lyceu  Cuyabano  and  the  Collegio  Sao  Joao  Baptisto,  and  a number  of  charitable  institu- 
tions, one  of  which  is  an  orphan  asylum  for  boys,  sheltering  three  hundred  beneficiaries. 
Considering  its  great  distance  from  the  large  centres  of  population  and  industry,  it  is 
surprising  that  the  State  of  Matto  Grosso  has  so  greatly  developed  in  commercial  impor- 
tance, and  that  its  cities  and  towns  present  a modern  and  enterprising  aspect.  The  voyage 


432 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


from  Rio  de  Janeiro  to  Cuyaba  via  Buenos  Aires,  requires  a month,  and  this  is  quite  the 
quickest  route,  though  a railway  is  under  construction  which  will  make  the  distance  no 
more  than  three  days’  journey.  The  value  of  products  exported  annually  from  this  State 
is  more  than  two  million  dollars  gold. 

Goyaz,  as  well  as  Matto  Grosso,  has  a great  future  in  prospect,  not  alone  through  the 
development  of  its  mines,  but  through  the  promotion  of  agricultural  industries.  The  soil 
and  climate  are  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  a variety  of  products,  especially  tobacco,  sugar, 
cotton,  and  cereals,  though  cattle  raising  and  mining  are  at  present  the  chief  sources  of 
wealth.  Wine  growing  is  an  increasing  industry  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State.  The 
chief  highways  of  traffic  between  Goyaz  and  the  outside  markets  are  the  Tocantins  and  the 
Araguaya  rivers,  which  connect  it  with  the  seaport  of  Para,  and  the  Paranahyba  River  and 
its  tributaries,  which  carry  the  products  of  the  southern  districts  to  the  ports  of  the  Parana 
River.  The  climate  of  Goyaz  is  dry  and  moderate,  and  generally  healthful ; the  State  is 
traversed  by  several  mountain  ranges  and  watered  by  large  rivers.  In  the  heart  of  the 
chief  mountain  range  a territory  has  been  surveyed  for  the  future  national  capital,  though  it 
is  not  likely  that  a change  will  be  made  from  the  present  site  until  more  satisfactory  railway 
communication  has  been  established,  at  least  between  the  most  important  points. 

Dr.  Cruls,  director  of  the  Rio  de  Janeiro  Observatory  and  late  chief  of  the  Commission 
which  surveyed  the  district  just  mentioned,  presented  a complete  and  extremely  interesting 
report,  in  which  he  calls  special  attention  to  the  splendid  natural  advantages  of  the  country 
and  its  suitability  as  a site  for  the  future  capital  of  the  Union.  The  data  given  in  that  report 
are  the  most  exact  and  satisfactory  which  exist  at  present  on  the  southern  zone  of  Goyaz. 
A company,  which  has  been  formed  to  navigate  the  Tocantins  and  the  Araguaya  rivers, 
is  constructing  railways  at  the  points  where  waterfalls  make  river  traffic  impracticable,  and, 
when  these  lines  are  completed,  direct  and  rapid  communication  will  be  established  via  Para 
to  the  Atlantic. 

The  Great  Western  of  Brazil  Railway  Company  has  just  completed  surveys  for  carrying 
its  system  from  the  south  of  Pernambuco  to  the  Tocantins,  and  the  Federal  government 
proposes  establishing  communication  between  the  north  of  Goyaz  and  the  States  of  Bahia, 
Sergipe,  Pernambuco,  and  Piauhy,  connecting  the  town  of  Pedro  Affonzo,  in  Goyaz,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Tocantins,  with  the  railroad  system  about  to  be  built  in  those  States. 
The  Goyaz  railway,  which  is  being  built  from  Formiga  in  Minas  Geraes  to  Leopoldina 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  Araguaya  River,  will  cross  several  populous  districts  in  south- 
eastern Goyaz,  passing  through  the  State  capital,  Goyaz,  the  famous  Villa  Boa  of  early  gold 
mining  days. 

Even  a short  visit  to  the  State  would  be  sufficient  to  convince  one  of  the  splendid  future 
which  lies  before  it.  The  prospect  of  the  improvements  above  referred  to  is  already  attract- 
ing the  attention  of  capitalists  and  others  to  Goyaz,  where  they  perceive  a rich  and  ample 
field  for  their  operations  in  the  enormous  natural  resources  and  the  productive  capacity  of 
this  privileged  State. 


MATTO  GROSSO,  GOYAZ , AND  P/AUHY 


433 


Goyaz  is  picturesquely  situated  in  the  valley  of  the  Araguaya,  the  twin  confluent  of 
the  Tocantins,  near  its  source  in  the  nigh  mountains  of  the  Serra  Dourado,  where  it  is 
separated  only  by  a narrow  ridge  from  the  source  of  the  Tocantins,  the  two  streams 
watering  different  valleys  through  the  whole  length  of  the  State  until  joined  in  a single 
current  at  its  extreme  northern  limit.  The  city  is  the  centre  of  the  cattle  industry,  of 
important  wine  manufacturing  interests,  and  of  the  chief  culture  of  tobacco,  of  which  this 
State  produces  a very  superior  quality.  The  population  of  the  State  is  about  three 
hundred  thousand,  and  of  the  capital,  twenty  thousand  inhabitants.  The  peaceful  and 
hospitable  character  of  its  people  is  noteworthy.  Public  instruction  is  provided  at  the 
Academy  of  Law,  the  Lyceum,  and  the  Normal  School  in  the  capital  and  in  primary  schools 
throughout  the  interior. 

Piauhy  has  the  shortest  coast  line  of  any  Brazilian  State  that  borders  on  the  Atlantic 
Ocean;  but  it  has  a good  port,  Tutoya,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Parnahyba,  through 
which  the  foreign  trade  of  the  State  is  carried.  Tutoya  is  situated  in  Maranhao,  the  river 
forming  a delta  between  the  two  States,  though  the  privileges  of  the  port  are  held  in  common, 
and  all  coast  steamers  of  the  Lloyd-Brazileiro  line,  as  well  as  those  of  several  foreign 
companies,  call  regularly  with  cargoes  for  both  Maranhao  and  Piauhy.  Within  a short  distance 
of  Tutoya,  on  the  boundary  line  between  Piauhy  and  Ceara,  and  at  the  mouth  of  another 
branch  of  the  Parnahyba  delta,  is  situated  the  port  of  Amarragao.  A few  leagues  up  the 
Parnahyba,  which  is  navigable  for  steamers,  the  capital  of  the  State,  Therezina,  occupies  a 
picturesque  location  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river.  It  has  a population  of  twenty  thousand, 
and  is  the  largest  city  of  Piauhy,  though  Parnahyba,  on  the  delta,  is  a growing  centre  of 
industry,  with  sixteen  thousand  inhabitants.  The  resources  of  the  State  have  never  been 
thoroughly  explored,  though  it  is  especially  adapted  to  stock  raising;  more  than  a million 
head  of  cattle  roam  over  its  extensive  pasture  lands.  The  annual  exports  of  this  State  are 
valued  at  nearly  a million  dollars  gold;  cotton,  leather,  Manitoba  rubber,  and  cattle  are  the 
chief  sources  of  revenue.  The  pastoral  industry  is  in  its  infancy,  and  no  attempt  has  yet 
been  made  to  establish  dairy  enterprises,  though  conditions  are  especially  favorable  for 
their  development.  The  proposed  extension  of  railways  through  the  State  will  undoubtedly 
stimulate  industrial  activity,  by  bringing  immigration  to  its  vast  unpeopled  sertoes.  The 
area  of  Piauhy  is  three  hundred  and  two  thousand  square  kilometres,  and  the  population  is 
three  hundred  thousand,  or  less  than  one  person  to  a square  kilometre.  Its  territory  is  rich 
in  woods  used  for  cabinet  purposes,  yet  there  is  not  one  saw  mill  in  the  State.  Gold,  silver, 
copper,  saltpetre,  and  alum  have  been  discovered,  the  abundance  of  the  last-named  product 
offering  especial  inducements  for  the  establishment  of  tanneries.  Many  small  cities  are 
scattered  throughout  the  State,  among  others,  Amarante,  with  a population  of  ten  thousand, 
the  commercial  centre  of  a large  district;  Uniao,  noted  for  its  cotton  industry;  Floriano, 
in  the  Manitoba  rubber  region,  all  flourishing  ports  on  the  river  Parnahyba.  In  the  interior, 
connected  by  public  roads  are:  Oeiras,  the  former  capital;  Picos,  a market  for  hides  and 
rubber;  and  Piracuruca,  in  the  mining  district. 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


434 


The  history  of  Piauhy  dates  from  the  seventeenth  century,  when  a native  of  Sao  Paulo, 
named  Domingos  Jorge,  and  a Portuguese,  named  Domingos  Affonso  Mafrense,  found  their 
way  into  its  sertoes  in  search  of  Indian  slaves.  They  made  a settlement  and  established 
several  cattle  ranches.  After  their  death,  these  ranches  passed  into  the  possession  of  the 
Jesuit  fathers,  and  when  the  Order  was  expelled  from  Brazil  the  ranches  became  the 
property  of  the  crown.  They  were  leased  by  the  crown  to  an  enterprising  engineer, 
Dorn  Antonio  Jose  de  Sampaio,  who  built  up  an  extensive  cattle  raising  industry,  forming 
the  basis  of  the  chief  product  of  the  State  to-day. 

Under  the  colonial  government,  Piauhy  belonged  first  to  Maranhao,  then  to  Pernambuco 
and  Bahia,  and  later  to  all  these  capitanias  at  the  same  time;  until,  in  1 8 1 1 , it  was  declared 
a separate  capitania  and,  in  1824,  a province  of  the  empire.  Since  the  inauguration  of  the 
republic,  Piauhy  has  been  a State  of  the  Union.  It  is  the  purpose  of  the  State  government 
to  encourage  immigration,  in  order  that  the  vast  territory  may  be  peopled  by  energetic  and 
industrious  citizens,  who  will  develop  its  wealth  and  contribute  to  its  social  as  well  as 
commercial  progress. 


OX  TEAM,  PIAUHY. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 

CEARA 

FA U RING  colonial  days,  after  the  Dutch 
were  defeated  and  driven  out  of  north- 
ern Brazil,  the  capitania  of  Pernambuco  in- 
cluded all  the  territory  now  comprised  in  the 
neighboring  States  of  Alagoas,  Parahyba,  Rio 
Grande  do  Norte,  and  Ceara.  Ceara  remained 
a part  of  this  capitania  until  1799,  when  it 
was  declared  independent,  being  even  then 
important  for  its  social  and  commercial  posi- 
tion among  the  territories  of  northern  Brazil. 
This  distinction  has  always  been  conserved, 
not  only  under  the  empire, — when,  as  a 
province,  it  was  the  first  to  solemnize  the  emancipation  of  slaves,  in  1884,  four  years  before 
the  national  abolition  law  was  put  into  effect, — but  also  since  the  inauguration  of  the 
republic,  with  the  success  of  which  its  leading  statesmen  have  been  prominently  identified. 

The  Cearenses , as  the  natives  of  this  State  are  called,  are  distinguished  for  energy  and 
industry,  characteristics  not  generally  supposed  to  belong  to  the  inhabitants  of  an  equatorial 
zone.  But  though  the  State  lies  entirely  within  eight  degrees  of  south  latitude,  yet  the 
climate  is  so  tempered  by  sea  breezes  and  by  the  altitude  of  its  interior  serras  and  plateaus 
that  it  is  unsurpassed  in  healthfulness,  and  is  the  favorite  sanitarium  of  the  republic, 
especially  recommended  for  consumptives.  Though  the  narrow  stretch  of  land  along  the 
coast  is  equatorial  in  climate  and  vegetation,  yet  a few  hours’  journey  by  rail  carries  one  to 
the  sertao,  one  of  the  most  salubrious  regions  of  the  globe.  Centenarians  are  numerous  in 
this  State,  and  hundreds  of  people  pass  their  four  score  and  ten  years  in  the  placid  enjoy- 
ment that  a healthy  old  age  ensures.  The  bracing  air  of  the  plateaus  develops  a spirit  of 
enterprise  and  initiative  in  the  Cearenses,  and  these  qualities  have  been  shown  when  they 
have  made  their  home  in  other  States,  as  was  the  case  when  Ceara  was  visited  by  a very 

439 


4$6 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


dry  season  in  1879,  and  a great  number  emigrated  to  Para  and  Amazonas,  where  their 
energy  was  felt  in  many  improvements  that  followed  their  arrival:  to  their  industry  and 
intelligence  was  largely  due  the  development  of  the  great  rubber  interests  of  these  States; 
they  were  the  first  to  open  up  to  traffic  the  Purus,  Acre,  Javary,  and  other  rivers  of  the 
richest  rubber  regions. 

The  area  of  Ceara  is  about  five  thousand  square  leagues,  and  the  length  of  the  coast 
line  one  hundred  and  twenty  leagues.  On  the  eastern  boundary  the  State  adjoins  Rio 
Grande  do  Norte  and  Parahyba;  on  the  south  it  is  bordered  by  Pernambuco;  the  western 
limit  is  marked  by  a chain  of  serras  separating  it  from  Piauhy.  Three  natural  divisions  of 
the  State  influence  its  climate  and  productions, — the  coast  land,  the  slopes  of  the  serras,  and 
the  interior  plateaus.  The  coast  region,  extending  from  ten  to  fifteen  miles  inland,  is  subject 
to  moist  sea  breezes,  and  the  soil  is  particularly  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  cotton,  the  fibre 
of  which  here  possesses  superior  silky  qualities,  with  singular  flexibility  and  resistance. 
This  part  of  the  State  is  also  suited  to  the  cultivation  of  sugar  cane,  which,  in  the  valley  of 
Aracape,  between  the  capital  and  Baturite,  reaches  the  extraordinary  height  of  from  twenty 
to  thirty  feet,  measuring  three  inches  in  diameter;  in  some  districts  sugar  plantations  last  ten 
years  or  more  without  being  replanted.  Corn  and  manioc,  or  mandioca,  thrive  in  various  kinds 
of  soil,  especially  the  former,  which  is  planted  with  good  results  in  the  clayey  covering  of  the 
rocks  as  well  as  in  the  soft  sand,  and  produces  enormous  crops,  growing  most  abundantly  in 
the  Serra  Grande.  In  some  years  the  harvests  of  corn  are  so  much  greater  than  the  facilities 
for  moving  the  crop  that  immense  quantities  are  abandoned  to  animals.  Mandioca,  which 
develops  its  highest  value  when  grown  in  soft,  porous,  and  somewhat  deep  soils,  humid  and 
alkaline,  warmed  by  the  strongest  rays  of  a tropical  sun,  is  produced  in  the  best  qualities  in 
Ceara.  In  the  neighborhood  of  lagoons  and  marshes  rice  grows  abundantly.  The  soil  and 
climate  of  the  serras  are  suited  admirably  to  the  needs  of  the  coffee  plant,  and  tobacco  grows 
in  this  State  along  the  sandy  borders  of  rivers  where  the  land  is  just  washed  by  the  overflow; 
soil  already  exhausted  by  the  cultivation  of  sugar  cane  will  produce  good  tobacco.  The  vege- 
tation on  the  serras  and  extended  interior  tablelands  is  abundant,  including  the  most  valuable 
dyewoods,  medicinal  plants,  woods  for  ornamental  purposes,  fibrous,  resinous,  oleaginous, 
and  other  varieties,  and  constitutes  an  important  source  of  revenue.  The  carnauba  grows  here 
in  abundance,  the  extraction  of  carnauba  wax  being  one  of  the  most  prosperous  industries. 

The  chief  wealth  of  the  interior  districts  of  Ceara  is  derived  from  the  cattle  trade,  which 
thrives  wonderfully  under  the  influences  of  a salubrious  climate,  an  even  temperature,  and 
freedom  from  pestilential  marshes.  From  the  earliest  days,  this  industry  has  been  success- 
fully engaged  in,  which  no  doubt  accounts  for  the  peculiar  fact  that  the  inland  plateaus  were 
settled  long  before  the  coast  territory.  The  extent  of  the  mineral  wealth  is  unknown, 
but  it  is  unquestionably  great.  In  1866,  direct  lines  of  steamers  were  established  between 
Fortaleza,  the  capital,  and  Liverpool,  and  vessels  now  call  at  its  ports  from  all  parts  of  the 
world.  Ceara  is  only  two  weeks’  voyage  from  New  York,  and  the  trip  could  be  made  in  a 
week  by  fast  steamers. 


CEARA 


437 


Two  railways  transport  the  products  of  the  interior  to  the  seacoast;  the  Baturite  railway 
connects  the  capital  with  the  town  of  Senador  Pompeu,  two  hundred  miles  distant,  and  the 
Sobral  line  provides  transportation  facilities  for  a productive  region  between  the  seaport  of 
Camocin,  near  the  extreme  western  boundary  and  the  interior  town  of  Ipu,  covering  a 
distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  The  government  gives  especial  attention  to  the 
problem  of  overcoming  the  bad  effects  of  droughts  which  visit  the  country  from  time  to 
time;  to  this  end,  irrigating  ditches,  reservoirs,  and  other  systems  for  securing  water  for  the 
plantations  in  the  dry  season  have  been  constructed. 

The  foreign  business  relations  of  the  State  are  carefully  fostered  by  the  Commercial 
Association  of  Ceara,  a wide-awake  and  progressive  organization,  which  seeks  to  extend  the 


RAILROAD  DEPOT.  CEARA. 


external  trade  by  every  possible  means.  Manufacturing  interests  are  not  neglected,  there 
being  several  iron  foundries,  brick  and  tile  works,  wineries,  and  cotton  mills.  Lacemaking 
is  an  important  industry.  There  are  several  cotton  factories  in  the  capital,  and  at  Baturite 
and  other  large  cities  of  the  State. 

Education  receives  increasing  attention,  and  every  town  of  importance  is  provided  with 
free  public  reading  rooms  and  libraries,  usually  under  the  direction  of  literary  societies. 
The  public  library  of  the  capital  contains  ten  thousand  volumes.  The  chief  scientific  society 
of  the  State  is  the  Institute)  Historico  do  Ceara , which  publishes  a magazine  devoted  to 
scientific  knowledge.  The  State  maintains  a normal  school  and  four  Latin  schools,  a lyceum, 
and  four  hundred  primary  and  secondary  schools.  The  State  has  about  a million  inhabitants, 
Fortaleza  having  a population  of  sixty  thousand. 


438 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  capital  is  well  paved  and  lighted  and  has  fifteen  pragas.  The  public  buildings  are 
attractive  and  commodious,  solidly  built,  and  centrally  located.  The  Governor’s  Palace  is 
constructed  with  a view  to  the  needs  of  a tropical  climate,  with  airy  solas  and  an  attractive  patio 
surrounded  by  broad,  cool  verandahs.  The  charity  hospital,  or  Casa  da  Misericordia,  inaugu- 
rated, in  1862,  is  a handsome  building,  with  capacity  for  five  hundred  patients.  There  is  also 
an  insane  asylum,  under  State  protection,  as  well  as  an  asylum  for  mendicants.  The  college 
buildings,  especially  the  Law  Academy,  founded  in  1903,  and  the  Lyceum,  are  well  equipped 
with  all  necessary  appurtenances,  and  the  churches  of  the  city  present  a creditable  appear- 
ance. Three  street  car  systems  connect  the  business  centre  of  the  capital  with  its  suburbs; 
telegraph  communication  links  all  the  chief  towns  of  the  State  with  the  capital,  and,  through 
it,  with  every  State  of  the  Union;  and  a complete  telephone  system  facilitates  business 
throughout  the  city.  The  Prefect,  Colonel  Guilherme  C.  da  Rocha  is  an  active,  energetic, 
and  progressive  leader,  and  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  municipality  are  apparent  in  its 
many  modern  improvements.  Other  important  towns  of  the  State  are  Baturite,  the  centre 
of  a rich  and  salubrious  region ; Aracaty,  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Jaguaribe  River,  a pros- 
perous little  city  of  thirty  thousand  inhabitants;  Crato,  Granja,  Maranguape,  Quixeramobin, 
and  Sobral;  Camocim,  an  excellent  seaport,  connected  with  Sobral  by  railway;  and  a number 
of  smaller  towns  are  rapidly  growing  in  importance  and  population.  The  little  town  of 
Mecejana,  about  ten  miles  from  the  State  capital,  is  especially  honored  as  having  been  the 
birthplace  of  the  great  Brazilian  dramatist  and  romancist,  Jose  de  Alencar. 


RAILROAD  BRIDGE  OF  ACARAHU,  CEARA. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  NORTE 

rT''HE  State  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  occupies  a 
1 unique  position  on  the  map  of  the  world, 
marking  the  most  easterly  point  of  the  continent 
of  America.  On  the  north  and  east,  it  borders 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,  which  gives  it  an  extensive 
coast  line;  on  the  west  it  is  bounded  by  Ceara, 
and  on  the  south  by  Parahyba. 

No  State  in  Brazil  has  made  more  marked  in- 
dustrial progress  within  the  past  ten  years  than 
Rio  Grande  do  Norte,  whose  people  have  devel- 
oped a spirit  of  energy  and  enterprise  not  gener- 
ally credited  to  the  inhabitants  of  tropical  countries. 
Though  this  State  lies  between  the  fifth  and 
seventh  degrees  south  latitude,  close  to  the  equa- 
tor, its  climate  is  so  modified  by  the  sea  breeze 
and  the  altitude  of  the  serras  which  traverse  it  in 
all  directions  that  the  heat  is  never  excessive, 
even  in  midsummer.  On  the  coast  the  land  is  low 
and  sandy,  great  stretches  of  saline  deposits 
extending  inland  for  miles  along  the  northern  shore.  One  hundred  thousand  tons  of  salt 
are  shipped  annually  from  this  part  of  the  State  to  southern  ports  of  Brazil.  The  chief 
centre  of  the  salt  industry  is  Mossoro,  situated  on  the  river  of  the  same  name,  which 
drains  the  western  part  of  the  State  and  empties  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean  through  an 
estuary  that  divides  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  from  Ceara.  In  addition  to  the  Mossoro,  the 
State  is  watered  by  the  Piranhas,  a broad  river  which  has  its  source  in  the  State  of 
Parahyba,  and  after  receiving  the  waters  of  numerous  tributaries,  crosses  the  two  States 

439 


RUA  COMMERCIO,  NATAL. 


440 


THE  NETT  BRAZIL 


RUA  SENADOR  JOSE  BONIFACIO,  NATAL. 


in  its  course  to  the  Atlantic.  Many  small  streams  flow  eastward  from  the  serras  and  empty 
into  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  the  Ceara-Mirim  being  the  most  important  of  these.  The  Serra 

da  Borborema,  which  extends 
through  the  eastern  region,  with 
its  numerous  spurs  and  off- 
shoots, is  the  principal  mountain 
chain  of  the  State,  though  Joao 
do  Valle,  Luiz  Gomez,  and  Mar- 
tins are  serras  of  considerable 

altitude  in  the  west,  the  two 

mountain  systems  being  divided 
by  the  valley  of  the  Piranhas. 

The  construction  of  the 
railway  which  now  connects 
Natal,  the  capital  of  Rio  Grande 
do  Norte,  with  several  important 
interior  towns  of  the  State,  and,  through  them,  with  the  neighboring  States  of  Parahyba 
and  Pernambuco,  has  greatly  stimulated  commercial  activity;  and  industrial  development  is 
showing  constant  advancement  under  the  improved  conditions  which  better  transportation 
facilities  have  brought  about.  Not  only  has  the  railway  contributed  to  the  “new  awaken- 
ing,” but  the  completion  of  the  port  works  of  the  capital  has  placed  this  city  on  the  highway 

of  ocean  traffic,  and  steamers  of  the  Lloyd-Brazileiro  and  other  lines, — which  formerly 
anchored  far  out  to  avoid  the  turbulent  surf  that  dashed  over  all  barriers  and  made  disem- 
barkation during  some  parts  of  the  year  almost  an  impossibility, — now  enter  the  port  and 
unload  alongside  the  new  docks. 

The  enterprising  spirit  which  reigns  in  every  part  of  Brazil  is  particularly  noticeable,  as 
has  already  been  remarked,  in  this  State,  which,  though  always  advanced  in  social  and 
educational  matters,  has  not  hitherto  been  conspicuous  for  industrial  and  commercial 
progress,  a fact  easily  explained  by  the  difficulties  that  had  to  be  overcome  before  railway 
communication  was  established  and  ocean  traffic  encouraged  to  seek  its  ports.  Now,  the 
conditions  are  exceptionally  favorable  for  a rapid  increase  of  wealth  and  prosperity.  The 
government  has  devoted  especial  attention  to  the  improvement  of  the  interior  districts  of 
the  State,  which,  a few  years  ago,  suffered  from  a severe  drouth.  In  order  to  provide  against 
a recurrence  of  the  disaster  and  to  insure  protection  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  dry  zone,  plans 
have  been  adopted  for  the  sinking  of  artesian  wells,  the  building  of  dams  and  reservoirs,  and 
other  enterprises  designed  to  improve  existing  conditions.  Premiums  are  also  paid  by  the 
government  to  citizens  who  construct  reservoirs,  artesian  wells,  etc.,  on  their  properties. 

New  railways  are  under  construction  to  connect  the  remote  interior  with  the  coast,  so 
that  the  industrial  districts  may  be  placed  within  easy  communication  with  the  best  markets. 
The  Ceara-Mirim  and  other  railways  will  carry  the  products  of  the  interior  to  the  seaport, 


RIO  GRANDE  DO  NORTE 


441 


and  lines  are  being  built  to  cross  the  State  and  reach  the  sertoes  of  the  west.  The  chief 
railway  now  in  operation  belongs  to  the  Great  Western  of  Brazil  and  comprises  one  hundred 


CONVENT  OF  THE  SEVENTEENTH  CENTURY.  VILLA  DE  ESTREMOZ. 


and  fifty  miles  within  the  State,  extending  from  Natal  on  the  east  coast,  to  Guarabira  on  the 
southern  boundary,  and  passing  through  the  towns  of  Sao  Jose  de  Mipibu,  Nova  Cruz,  and 
others.  In  this  region  the  cultivation  of  sugar  and  cotton  yields  an  important  revenue, 
while  farther  inland  are  fine  pasture  lands.  The  soil  and  climate  of  the  serra  makes  this 
part  of  the  State  particularly  adapted  to  cattle  raising  and  the  dairy  industry,  though  neither 
of  these  interests  has  been  thoroughly  exploited.  Immigration  is  desirable,  not  only  to 
provide  the  labor  necessary  to  conduct  enterprises  of  great  magnitude,  but  also  to  establish 
communities  that  will  develop  the  resources  of  the  State  permanently  and  satisfactorily.  At 
present,  the  chief  wealth  is  derived  from  sugar  cane  and  cotton  in  the  eastern  coast  district, 
essential  oils,  resins,  medicinal  plants,  and  the  products  of  the  carnauba  tree  in  the  sertoes, 
and  cattle  raising  on  the  serras.  The  area  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  is  thirty  thousand  square 
miles,  and  its  population  half  a million.  The  value  of  the  products  exported  annually 
through  the  capital  amounts  to  nearly  a million  dollars  gold. 

Under  the  administration  of  Dr.  Antonio  Jose  de  Mello  Souza,  who  succeeded  Dr.  Augusto 
Tavares  de  Lyra  as  governor  when  the  latter  was  called  to  the  cabinet  of  President  Affonso 
Penna,  the  progress  of  the  State  has  continued  to  reflect  the  liberal  and  judicious  policy  of  a 
government  which  seeks  to  promote  its  development  socially,  industrially,  and  commercially. 
The  governor  is  chosen  every  four  years,  the  newly  elected  executive,  whose  inauguration 
will  take  place  in  1908,  being  Dr.  Alberto  Maranhao,  known  as  a statesman  not  only  in  his 
own  State,  but  in  the  highest  councils  of  the  nation. 


442 


THE  NEbV  BRAZIL 


In  educational  advancement  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  has  always  held  its  own  among  the 
States  of  Brazil,  the  people  taking  especial  pride  in  their  schools  and  charitable  institutions. 
Within  recent  years  the  school  system  has  been  reorganized,  and  primary  instruction  now 
receives  more  attention  than  ever.  Public  sentiment  is  now  favoring  the  children  of  the 
poor  with  advantages  in  early  education  equal  to  those  enjoyed  by  the  well-to-do. 

The  capital  and  chief  seaport  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  is  Natal,  situated  on  the  east  coast 
near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  do  Norte,  or  North  River,  which  is  formed  by  the  con- 
fluence of  the  Potengy  and  the  Jundiahy  rivers.  Natal  has  a population  of  twenty-five 
thousand  and  is  divided  into  two  sections,  or  bairros:  the  upper  city,  where  many  of  the 
public  buildings  are  located,  and  the  riverside,  or  Ribeira,  the  commercial  centre,  in  which 
are  the  custom  house,  warehouses,  importing  establishments,  etc.  The  city  has  several 
churches,  some  of  which  have  historic  as  well  as  architectural  interest,  convents,  an 
excellent  hospital, — the  Santa  Casa  da  Misericordia, — theatres,  public  gardens,  clubs,  and 
other  institutions.  The  Commercial  Association  of  Natal  is  an  enterprising  corporation 
which  was  organized  some  years  ago  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  industries  and  trade 
of  the  State.  Through  its  efforts,  seconding  those  of  the  government,  agricultural  and 
manufacturing  interests  have  been  advanced,  and  the  number  of  spinning  and  cotton 
factories,  sugar  mills,  and  similar  enterprises  have  greatly  increased. 

Natal  was  founded  in  the  sixteenth  century  by  Jeronymo  de  Albuquerque,  and  it  was 
the  scene  of  some  of  the  most  interesting  episodes  in  the  early  history  of  Brazil.  One 
of  the  most  celebrated  heroes  of  the  war  against  the  Dutch,  in  the  early  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth century  was  a son  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte,  the  Indian  Camarao;  and  some  of  the 
greatest  men  of  the  empire  as  well  as  leaders  in  political  and  intellectual  activity  under 
the  present  government  were  born  in  the  old  capital,  which,  however,  is  rapidly  losing  its 
antiquated  features  under  the  influence  of  modern  energy  and  enterprise. 


QUARTEL,  NATAL. 


CHAPTER  XXX 


PARAHYBA  AND  SERG1PE 

IN  the  coast  tropical  region,  which  extends 
* from  the  mouth  of  the  Amazon  to  the 
Tropic  of  Capricorn,  the  natural  resources  are 
even  more  abundant  than  in  the  Amazon  coun- 
try. From  Ceara  eastward  and  southward  the 
flat,  low  plain  which  lies  along  the  coast,  really 
constituting  an  extension  of  the  Amazon  basin, 
gradually  vanishes,  becoming  merely  a narrow 
strip  of  land,  from  which  the  country  slopes 
up  to  the  region  of  the  plateaus.  In  the  low- 
lands are  cultivated  sugar,  rice,  cocoa,  fruits, 
etc. ; on  the  plateaus,  cotton  and  tobacco  thrive, 
and  there  are  particularly  good  pasture  lands, 
the  climate  being  similar  to  that  of  Australia. 

Parahyba  is  one  of  the  chief  cotton  grow- 
ing States  of  Brazil.  Its  climate  is  generally 
hot  and  dry,  though  tempered  by  sea  breezes.  In  the  interior  the  conditions  are  favorable 
for  cattle  raising,  and,  near  the  coast,  cotton,  sugar,  and  cereals  are  extensively  grown.  The 
southern  part  of  the  State  is  watered  by  the  river  Parahyba  do  Norte,  and  the  western  sec- 
tion by  the  Rio  das  Piranhas  and  its  tributaries.  The  Serra  da  Borborema  divides  the  river 
basins  of  these  waterways.  The  capital  city,  Parahyba,  is  situated  on  a hill  overlooking  the 
estuary  of  the  Parahyba  River,  and  connected  with  its  seaport,  Cabedello,  by  railway.  It  has 
several  attractive  public  buildings,  among  others  the  State  president’s  palace,  municipal 
buildings,  and  many  churches.  The  heavily  thatched  straw  huts  of  Cabedello  give  this  little 
port  a distinctively  tropical  appearance.  The  Conde  d’Eu  railway  connects  the  capital  with 
the  principal  interior  towns,  and,  through  them,  with  the  adjoining  States  of  Pernambuco 
on  the  south  and  Rio  Grande  do  Norte  on  the  north.  This  railway  is  a part  of  the  system 

443 


444 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


leased  by  the  Federal  government  to  the  Great  Western  of  Brazil  Company.  Other  lines  of 
railway  have  been  projected,  some  of  them  being  already  under  construction,  to  extend  from 


PALACE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR,  ARACAJU. 


the  capital  to  the  sertao  in  the  western  part  of  the  State.  Besides  Parahyba  and  its  seaport, 
there  are  several  towns  of  growing  importance:  Areia,  Cajazeiras,  Mamanguape,  Sousa, 
Pombal,  and  Campina  Grande.  Parahyba  is  noted  as  the  birthplace  of  Brazil’s  greatest 
painter,  Pedro  Americo.  The  State  occupies  part  of  the  territory  which  was  originally 
bestowed  by  the  king  of  Portugal  on  Pero  Lopes  de  Sousa,  under  the  name  of  the  capitania 
of  Itamaraca,  and  which  was  first  permanently  settled  by  the  Portuguese  in  i 786.  It  was 
the  battleground  of  many  engagements  in  the  war  against  the  Dutch,  and,  later,  was  the 
scene  of  political  contests  in  1817  and  in  1824,  when  the  North  became  involved  in  an 
attempt  to  establish  “The  Confederation  of  the  Equator.”  Since  the  inauguration  of  the 
republic,  Parahyba  has  made  considerable  progress  in  industrial  activity  and  commercial 
importance. 

Sergipe  is  the  smallest  of  the  Brazilian  States,  covering  an  area  of  fifteen  thousand 
square  miles,  but  it  is  very  productive,  has  a good  climate,  and  supports  four  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  inhabitants.  The  land  lying  along  the  coast  is  low  and  sandy,  while 
in  the  interior  it  is  elevated,  drained  by  numerous  rivers,  and  wonderfully  fertile  in  agri- 
cultural products,  especially  sugar  and  cotton,  while  the  sertao  of  the  west  provides  pasture 
for  large  herds  of  cattle.  The  annual  exports  of  Sergipe  amount  to  two  million  dollars 
in  value. 

The  government  is  under  the  direction  of  the  executive,  legislative,  and  judiciary 
powers,  as  in  all  the  States  of  the  Union.  The  president,  Dr.  Guilherme  Campos,  is  an 
able  and  experienced  executive  who  has  done  much  toward  developing  the  progress  of  his 


PARAHYBA  AND  SERGIPE 


445 


State  in  every  way.  More  attention  is  given  to  educational  matters  than  ever  before,  and 
public  improvements  have  been  inaugurated  in  every  part  of  the  State.  A railway  is 
under  construction  to  connect 
the  State  capital,  Aracaju,  with 
Larangeiras  on  the  line  of  the 
Timbo  and  Propria  railway, 
which  is  being  built  from  the 
State  of  Bahia  across  Sergipe 
to  the  Sao  Francisco  River.  The 
Larangeiras  branch  will  also  be 
extended  inland  to  the  indus- 
trial centres  of  Lagarto  and 
Simao  Dias. 

Aracaju,  the  State  capital, 
is  a city  of  twenty-five  thou- 
sand inhabitants,  situated  on 
the  coast  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Cotinguiba  River.  It  is  a typical  town  of  the  tropics,  set  in  a background  of  towering 
trees  and  adorned  with  beautiful  pragas,  or  public  gardens,  in  which  the  gorgeous  hues 
of  tropical  flowers  and  foliage  may  be  seen  in  all  their  splendor.  The  streets  are  broad, 
straight,  and  well  paved,  and  the  public  buildings  are  of  solid  construction  and  harmonious 
architecture.  The  president’s  palace  occupies  a beautiful  location  overlooking  the  prin- 
cipal praga.  Among  the  more  important  institutions  are  the  charity  hospital  of  Nossa 
Senhora  da  Conceigao,  the  Atheneu  Sergipense,  which  was  inaugurated  in  1871,  the  Gabi- 
nete  de  Leitura,  Normal  School,  and  several  churches  of  historic  interest.  The  cotton  mills 
are  among  the  noted  features  of  the  State.  The  principal  towns  are  found  in  the  districts 
where  the  cotton  and  sugar  industries  are  chiefly  developed.  Sao  Christovao  lies  a few 
miles  south  of  Aracaju,  on  the  coast,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Irapiranga  River,  the  largest 
waterway  of  the  State.  In  the  north  several  flourishing  towns  are  situated  on  the  Sao 
Francisco  River,  Propria,  Villa  Nova,  and  Curral  de  Pedras  being  the  shipping  ports  of  a rich 
agricultural  region.  Larangeiras,  Riachuelo,  Santa  Luzia,  Estancia,  and  Maroim  are  important 
centres  of  the  sugar  industry. 

The  history  of  this  State  is  contemporary  with  that  of  Bahia,  as  the  territory  now 
known  as  Sergipe  was  a part  of  the  capitania  of  Bahia,  granted  by  King  Joao  III.  to  Francisco 
Pereira  Coutinho  in  1734.  The  earliest  settlement  was  made  at  Sao  Christovam  in  1790, 
though  it  was  sacked  and  destroyed  by  the  Dutch  under  the  celebrated  Van  Schoppe  in  1637. 
The  Portuguese  regained  possession  of  the  territory  a few  years  later,  but  it  was  the  scene 
of  continued  warfare  until  the  final  retirement  of  the  Dutch  in  1640.  Sergipe  was  made  an 
independent  capitania  in  1820  in  recognition  of  the  aid  its  people  gave  the  king  in  quelling 
the  revolution  in  Pernambuco.  With  the  establishment  of  the  empire  the  capitania  became 


Ft®  ^ 

-ugU'W  -i  . ; 


CATHEDRAL,  ARACAJU. 


446 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


a province,  having  as  its  first  president  General  Fernandes  da  Silveira,  who  was  elected  to 
office  in  1824.  In  1877  the  site  of  the  capital  was  changed  from  Sao  Christo vao  to  the 
present  city  of  Aracaju,  and  from  that  time  the  progress  of  the  province  advanced  more 
notably  than  during  any  previous  period.  The  news  of  the  proclamation  of  the  republic 
arrived  at  Aracaju  on  the  17th  of  November,  1889,  during  the  presidency  of  Dr.  Thomaz 
Rodrigues  da  Cruz,  and  a junta  was  at  once  formed,  which  received  the  adherence  of  the 
municipal  chambers  of  the  province  and  governed  until  the  appointment  of  an  executive; 
a constitution  was  promulgated  by  the  State  Assembly  in  1892,  Dr.  Jose  Calasans  being 
elected  the  first  governor  of  the  new  State.  The  philosopher  and  poet,  Tobias  Barreto,  and 
the  famous  orator,  Jose  Gonsalves  Barroso,  were  natives  of  Sergipe. 


COTTON  MILLS,  SERGIPE. 


CHAPTER  XXXI 


PERNAMBUCO 

A LTHOUGH  one  of  the  smaller  States  of  Brazil, 
Pernambuco  covers  an  area  of  fifty  thousand 
square  miles,  and  is  as  large  as  the  State  of  New  York 
in  the  United  States.  Nowhere  does  the  glowing  sun 
of  the  tropics  shed  its  radiance  more  brightly  than 
upon  the  fruitful  forests  and  fields  of  this  favored 
zone,  drawing  from  the  rich  greens  of  the  luxuriant 
foliage  their  deepest  tones,  and  bathing  the  gorgeous 
blossoms  in  a flood  of  dazzling  brilliance.  Under  the 
bluest  of  skies  the  fair  land  smiles  in  the  midst  of  the 
rich  treasures  that  Nature  has  bestowed  with  lavish 
abundance. 

Situated  on  the  coast  in  the  most  fertile  region 
of  the  tropics,  and  extending  inland  for  a distance  of 
more  than  five  hundred  miles,  Pernambuco  is  divided 
into  three  natural  zones : the  matta,  or  wooded  region 
of  the  coast;  the  agreste  or  catinga  of  the  higher  mid- 
dle zone,  covered  with  shrubs  and  bushes,  like  those 
which  grow  in  the  coast  regions  of  the  Mediterranean ; 
and  the  sertao,  or  “backwoods,”  still  farther  inland,  where,  along  the  water  courses,  are 
large  cattle  ranges,  though  the  pasturage  is  more  abundant  in  the  catinga  region.  The 
sertao  of  Pernambuco  is  especially  noted  for  its  precious  gums,  essential  oils,  and  aromatic 
herbs;  here  also  grows  the  wonderful  carnauba  tree,  which  is  proof  against  the  severest 
drouths;  its  roots  have  the  same  medicinal  effect  as  sarsaparilla;  the  terminal  bud,  when 
young,  is  used  as  a food,  and  also  to  make  wine,  vinegar,  and  starch ; the  fruit  of  the  tree  is 
savory  and  the  seed  produces  a useful  oil ; from  the  stem  a kind  of  flour  is  made,  and  the 
dried  fibrous  bark  yields  a material  that  is  used  in  making  hats,  brooms,  baskets,  etc.; 

447 


DR.  SIGISMUNDO  ANTONIO  GONSALVES. 
GOVERNOR  OF  PERNAMBUCO. 


448 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


the  leaves  are  pressed  to  produce  a kind  of  candle  wax.  Not  only  in  Pernambuco  but 
throughout  the  sertoes  of  all  the  northern  States,  this  valuable  tree  is  an  important  source 
of  revenue. 

The  State  is  drained  by  the  northern  tributaries  of  the  great  Sao  Francisco  river,  which 
forms  part  of  its  southern  boundary,  and  by  the  Capiberibe,  Serinhaem,  Pirangy,  and  other 
small  streams  that  flow  into  the  Atlantic.  The  northern  boundary  is  marked  by  a chain  of 
serras  which  divides  Pernambuco  from  Parahyba  and  Ceara ; to  the  west  another  mountain 
range  separates  the  State  from  that  of  Piauhy;  to  the  south  are  the  States  of  Bahia  and 
Alagoas,  while  the  eastern  boundary  is  marked  by  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  The  most  fertile 
agricultural  lands  lie  in  the  coast  region,  which  is  low  and  flat  and  especially  adapted  to  the 
culture  of  rice  and  sugar;  about  fifteen  miles  inland  the  land  becomes  hilly,  and  is  more 
suitable  for  the  growth  of  tobacco,  coffee,  and  cotton;  on  the  extensive  tablelands  that 
cover  the  remote  interior,  cattle  raising  is  the  chief  industry.  Sugar  is  the  most  important 
source  of  revenue  to  the  State.  At  one  time,  it  constituted  the  principal  article  of  export 
from  Brazil,  and  the  outlook  is  favorable  for  a future  of  great  prosperity  for  this  industry. 
The  government  is  paying  especial  attention  to  its  development  and  recently  appropriated  a 
large  sum  of  money  to  be  used  in  introducing  new  processes  of  sugar  culture  and  in 
improving  the  methods  of  refining  the  sugar.  Three  hundred  million  pounds  of  sugar  are 
produced  in  the  State  annually,  the  amount  of  cane  treated  in  the  two  thousand  factories 
that  are  established  in  the  sugar-growing  districts  being  estimated  at  three  million  tons. 
About  fifty  of  the  sugar  factories  are  installed  with  modern  machinery,  operated  by  steam 
and  hydraulic  power,  the  remainder  being  chiefly  the  old-fashioned  sugar  mills,  worked  on 
primitive  plans;  though  within  the  past  few  years  the  introduction  of  new  machinery  has 
been  constantly  increasing.  The  sugar  plantations  cover  extensive  areas,  and  are  traversed 
by  private  railways,  which  carry  the  cane  from  the  fields  to  the  factory,  and  transport  the 
manufactured  product  to  the  nearest  station  to  be  taken  on  a through  line  to  the  seaport. 
Three  hundred  miles  of  these  private  railways  connect  the  plantations  with  the  Great 
Western  of  Brazil  system,  which  includes  the  most  important  lines  of  the  State. 

Although  sugar  is  the  staple  product  of  Pernambuco,  yet  its  cotton  industry  is  of 
considerable  importance,  the  exports  of  this  commodity  being  greater  from  this  State  than 
from  any  other  part  of  Brazil.  The  amount  produced  annually  has  more  than  doubled 
within  the  past  three  years,  the  export  in  1904  being  four  million  seven  hundred  and 
sixty-one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighty-five  kilograms,  while  in  190^  it  amounted 
to  nine  million  three  hundred  and  fifty-two  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty-seven  kilo- 
grams, and  last  year  exceeded  ten  million  kilograms.  The  southern  States  of  North 
America  are  the  only  strong  competitors  in  the  European  cotton  market,  the  State  of  Texas 
alone  producing  eight  hundred  million  kilograms  annually  in  a territory  five  times  larger 
than  that  of  Pernambuco. 

The  agricultural  possibilities  of  the  State  have  not  been  fully  developed,  owing  to  a 
tendency  to  confine  all  effort  to  the  culture  of  one  or  two  products,  such  as  sugar  and 


PERNAMBUCO 


449 


cotton,  which  grow  with  little  labor  and  bring  good  prices  in  the  market.  But  the  awakening 
of  the  whole  nation  to  a new  sense  of  its  importance  in  the  commercial  world,  and  to  the 
responsibilities  devolving  on  a people  who  control  such  vast  natural  resources  as  belong  to 
this  country,  has  stimulated  enterprise  and  endeavor  in  every  State,  and  the  result  is  seen 
more  conspicuously  every  year  in  the  industrial  statistics.  In  Pernambuco,  a greater  variety 
of  products  is  grown  this  year  than  ever  before,  and  in  increased  quantities.  Rice  promises 
to  be  an  important  source  of  revenue,  as  the  culture  of  this  product  receives  the  attention  it 
merits,  the  harvest  showing  improved  conditions  every  year.  Tobacco  grows  well  in  many 
localities;  and  cinnamon,  indigo,  and  other  exotic  plants,  which  were  propagated  from  the 
specimens  grown  in  the  Botanical  Garden  of  Olinda  during  the  eighteenth  century,  are 
cultivated  to  a sufficient  extent  to  form  important  articles  of  export.  From  the  same  source 
originated  many  of  the  fruits  that  are  now  shipped  from  Pernambuco.  The  pineapple  of 
this  region  is  particularly  noted  for  its  delicious  flavor,  which  is  superior  to  that  of  any  other 
locality.  The  mango  is  also  found  here  in  excellent  quality;  it  is  not  a fruit  that  lends  itself 
readily  to  aesthetic  preparation  by  the  fastidious,  presenting  many  difficulties  in  the  process 
of  paring  and  eating  its  juicy,  fibrous,  cling-stone  conglomerate,  but  the  Brazilians  know 
how  to  serve  it  in  the  best  style.  Itamaraga,  separated  from  the  mainland  by  a narrow 


PUBLIC  SQUARE,  SETE  DE  SETEMBRO. 


strait,  and  lying  a few  miles  north  of  Recife,  is  famous  for  the  abundance  and  fine  flavor  of 
its  mangoes.  Oranges,  bananas,  grapes,  and  caju  also  comprise  fruits  in  the  production 
of  which  the  State  has  acquired  an  enviable  celebrity. 


4S° 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


The  customs’  receipts  at  the  port  of  Pernambuco  amount  annually  to  five  million  dollars. 
The  facilities  for  foreign  trade  are  unsurpassed,  as  this  port  is  nearer  to  Europe  than  any 

other  point  on  the  American  continent, 
and  ships  from  every  part  of  the  globe 
call  here  to  receive  and  discharge  mer- 
chandise. All  the  large  transatlantic 
vessels  that  ply  between  Europe  and 
South  America  call  at  the  port  of  Per- 
nambuco, and  the  Lloyd-Brazileiro 
steamers — both  the  Rio  and  New  York 
and  the  Coast  lines — have  an  impor- 
tant trade  here.  A local  enterprise,  the 
Pernambuco  Navigation  Company,  has 
ten  steamers  engaged  in  the  coast 
service,  the  northern  line  carrying 
passengers  and  merchandise  between 
Pernambuco  and  Ceara,  while  the 
southern  line  trades  between  Pernam- 
buco and  Bahia.  Monthly  trips  are 
made  by  steamers  of  this  company  to 
the  island  of  Fernando  de  Noronha, 
which  is  situated  off  the  northwestern 
coast,  about  a hundred  miles  from  the 
capital.  A national  penal  settlement  is 
established  here,  and  the  island  is  a 
source  of  revenue  to  the  government 
through  its  valuable  phosphate  deposits.  The  island  is  fortified  and  furnished  with  heavy  guns 
for  protective  purposes.  Frequent  voyages  are  also  made  to  Manaos  and  Santos.  An  average 
of  a thousand  vessels  call  at  this  port  every  year.  The  Federal  government  intends  to  improve 
the  port  works  of  Pernambuco,  engineers  having  been  engaged  to  dredge  the  channel  between 
the  mainland  and  the  great  recife,  or  reef,  which  forms  a natural  breakwater  in  front  of  the  port. 

The  approach  to  the  “ Brazilian  Venice,”  as  the  city  of  Pernambuco  is  called  because 
of  its  dividing  canals,  is  guarded  by  a magnificent  natural  reef  of  coralline  origin ; the  busy 
little  builders  having  abandoned  their  labor  when  the  surface  of  the  water  was  reached,  the 
interstices  of  the  beautiful  fabric  became  choked  with  sand  and  broken  shells,  which,  in 
time,  growing  incorporated  with  the  reef  itself,  have  given  the  structure  its  present  appear- 
ance of  rough  sandstone.  The  reef,  from  which  the  city  takes  its  name,  “ Recife,”  extends, 
at  a distance  of  about  five  hundred  feet  from  the  shore,  along  the  whole  front  of  the  city 
and  for  several  miles  beyond,  making  it  a safe  anchorage  for  ships.  At  all  times,  the  harbor 
is  a busy  scene,  and  its  picturesque  features  are  enhanced  by  the  peculiar  appearance  of 


AN  IMPORTANT  BUSINESS  STREET  IN  PERNAMBUCO. 


PERNAMBUCO 


45 1 

some  of  the  small  craft  plying  in  and  out  among  the  more  important  vessels;  the  curious 
little  “jangadas,”  which  look  like  tiny  rafts  with  huge  sails,  are  particularly  interesting,  the 
astonishing  size  and  nature  of  the  cargoes  intrusted  to  their  seeming  frailty  giving  a shock 
to  the  uninitiated,  though  their  experienced  managers  find  no  cause  for  alarm  even  when 
the  surf  drenches  the  raft  and  the  wind  violently  lashes  the  sails,  seeming  to  threaten 
instant  destruction.  The  jangada  is  a feature  of  the  maritime  delivery  system  of  the  coast 
trade  in  these  parts. 

The  chief  industrial  centres  of  the  interior  are  connected  with  the  seaport  by  several 
lines  of  railways,  chiefly  under  the  management  of  the  Great  Western  of  Brazil  Railway 
Company,  which  leased  them  from  the  government  in  1904.  Since  that  time  they  have 
been  greatly  extended,  and  various  improvements  have  been  inaugurated,  especially  the 
Southern,  the  Central,  and  the  Recife  and  Sao  Francisco  lines.  As  a result  of  the  work 
already  accomplished,  through  traffic  is  now  carried  on  between  Maceio,  the  capital  of 
Alagoas,  which  lies  south  of  Pernambuco,  and  Natal,  the  capital  of  Rio  Grande  do  Norte,  on 
the  northern  boundary  of  Brazil,  covering  a distance  of  six  hundred  miles.  It  is  the  inten- 
tion of  the  Brazilian  government  to  construct  a chain  of  railways  along  the  coast  from  the 
Amazon  to  La  Plata,  as  well  as  to  establish  complete  rail  connection  with  the  interior  of  its 
vast  domain;  and  the  gigantic  undertaking  is  being  carried  out  by  various  companies 


RAMOS  QUAY. 


working  in  different  parts  of  the  country.  In  addition  to  the  railways  already  mentioned, 
there  are  several  shorter  lines  and  suburban  systems  which  connect  the  capital  with  its 
picturesque  environs. 


4^2 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  capital  of  the  State  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  cities  of  the  New  World,  both 
on  account  of  its  extraordinary  history  and  its  peculiar  construction.  It  consists  of  four 
sections,  Recife  being  the  name  particularly  given  to  the  commercial  part  of  the  city,  which 


SANTA  ISABEL  BRIDGE.  PERNAMBUCO. 


is  divided  from  the  other  three  by  the  channels  of  the  Beberibe  and  Capibaribe  rivers, 
which  further  divide  the  two  sections  of  Santo  Antonio  and  Sao  Jose,  on  the  island  of 
Antonio  Vaz,  from  the  quarter  of  Boa  Vista  on  the  mainland. 

The  different  parts  of  the  city  are  connected  by  handsome  bridges  which  give  it  an 
attractiveness  that  is  entirely  distinct  from  that  of  other  Brazilian  cities.  In  addition  to  the 
commercial  features  of  the  Recife  section,  there  are  several  fine  old  churches  and  a number 
of  pranas  that  beautify  it.  The  Praga  do  Commercio,  on  the  “ Lingueta,”  as  the  extreme 
end  of  the  peninsula  is  called,  is  particularly  interesting  in  appearance  and  general  character. 
It  is  the  Wall  Street  of  stockbrokers  and  capitalists;  the  market  of  hucksters;  the  favorite 
stamping-ground  of  traders;  the  resort  of  idlers,  and  the  popular  haunt  of  political  aspirants. 
Nothing  is  of  either  too  great  or  too  little  importance  for  a place  on  the  Lingueta,  whether  it 
be  the  arrival  of  a world-wide  celebrity  or  the  final  escape  of  an  abused  cur;  the  loss  of 
money,  jewels,  children,  or  friends  is  never  an  assured  fact  until  a barren  search  of  the 
Lingueta  proves  it  to  be  so.  In  the  beautiful  quarter  of  Santo  Antonio,  formerly  Mauritz- 
stadt,  is  situated  the  Governor’s  Palace,  overlooking  a spacious  park.  It  is  built  on  the  site 
of  the  palace  that  was  occupied  by  Prince  Maurice  de  Nassau,  when  the  Dutch  ruled 


PERNAMBUCO 


4V 


northern  Brazil.  At  a short  distance  away  are  the  handsome  buildings  of  the  Municipal 
Chambers,  the  theatre,  the  Archaeological  and  Geographical  Institute,  the  Normal  School  and 
the  Lyceum,  the  Casa  da  Misericordia,  and  the  war  arsenal,  a number  of  large  churches 
and  schools,  and  the  umbrageous  gardens  of  the  Campo  das  Princezas  and  Praga  Dorn 
Pedro  II.  In  Sao  Jose  are  many  of  the  public  works,  railroad  stations,  the  public  market, 
and  several  historic  churches.  Boa  Vista  is  the  favorite  residence  quarter  of  the  capital,  and 
the  location  of  the  higher  colleges,  hospitals,  and  asylums.  The  population  of  the  city  is 
about  two  hundred  thousand.  It  ranks  fifth  among  Brazilian  cities,  and  has  the  advantages 
of  such  modern  improvements  as  electric  and  gas  lighting  facilities,  good  waterworks 
system,  drainage,  street  car  service,  and  telegraph  and  telephone  communication.  The 
cable  service  of  Pernambuco  is  exceptionally  fine,  connecting  the  cities  of  South  America 
with  every  part  of  the  world.  It  has  no  less  than  ten  cable  lines  to  foreign  parts.  A few 
miles  from  the  city,  in  a mountainous  district,  watered  by  the  Beberibe  River,  and  connected 
with  the  capital  by  a railroad,  lies  the  picturesque  old  city  of  Olinda,  “the  beautiful,”  as  the 
name  implies. 

Previous  to  the  Dutch  conquest,  the  city  of  Olinda,  which  is  now  the  principal  suburb 
of  the  State  capital,  was  the  centre  of  wealth  and  fashion  in  Brazil,  and  its  university  was 
the  chief  seat  of  learning  in  America.  The  Dutch  invaders  destroyed  this  city,  though  their 
governor,  Maurice  de  Nassau,  who  established  his  colonial  capital  at  Mauritzstadt,  devoted 
particular  attention  to  the  intellectual  development  of  the  country,  inviting  the  leading 
scholars  and  artists  of  Europe  to  visit  his  Brazilian  possessions,  and  bestowing  liberal 
patronage  upon  institutions  for  educational  advancement.  The  influence  of  Maurice  de 
Nassau’s  government  was  beneficial  from  this  standpoint,  and  no  doubt  contributed  to 
make  Pernambuco  the  progressive  State  that  it  is,  and  always  has  been,  intellectually. 
Education  receives  especial  consideration,  fourteen  per  cent  of  the  total  disbursements 
of  the  State  being  applied  to  purposes  of  public  instruction.  The  Law  School  of  Pernam- 
buco is  one  of  the  most  important  educational  institutions  of  Brazil,  and  among  its  graduates 
are  some  of  the  most  distinguished  scholars  and  statesmen  of  the  republic.  Senator 
Francisco  Rosa  e Silva,  one  of  the  political  leaders  of  the  State  and  author  of  the  national 
elections  reform  bill  which  has  recently  gone  into  effect,  and  Dr.  Epitacio  Pessoa,  Minister  of 
Justice  in  the  cabinet  of  President  Campos-Salles,  were  graduated  from  the  Pernambuco  Law 
School.  The  Arts  and  Trades  Lyceum  is  a flourishing  institution,  conducted  on  the  same 
principle  as  the  Arts  and  Trades  Schools  of  Rio,  Sao  Paulo,  Minas,  Bahia,  and  other  cities. 
It  occupies  a handsome  building  in  which  day  and  night  classes  are  taught  the  mechanical 
and  liberal  arts  free  of  charge.  The  museum  and  library  of  the  Lyceum  contain  valuable 
scientific  collections.  The  Gymnasium,  the  College  of  Engineering,  the  Commercial  College, 
and  the  State  Normal  School  are  also  among  the  more  important  educational  institutions 
maintained  by  public  and  private  enterprise.  The  State  and  municipalities  maintain  six 
hundred  primary  and  secondary  schools,  and  in  addition  to  these,  instruction  is  given  in 
numerous  private  schools. 


45’4 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


The  educational  progress  of  the  State  is  due  in  a large  measure  to  the  efforts  of  the 
government,  Dr.  Sigismundo  Antonio  Gongalves,  the  chief  executive,  being  particularly  in- 
terested in  this  branch  of  the  administration.  A graduate  of  the  Law  School  of  Pernambuco, 
and  formerly  chief  judge  of  the  State  tribunal,  Dr.  Gonsalves  has  made  a careful  study  of 
social  questions,  especially  as  related  to  education.  The  intellectual  advancement  of  the  State 
is  due  not  only  to  the  liberal  methods  of  the  administration,  but  also  to  the  public-spirited 
efforts  of  its  leading  men,  to  whom  various  educational  institutions  owe  a great  measure  of 
their  success.  By  the  organization  of  the  Archaeological  and  Geographical  Institute  of  Per- 
nambuco, distinguished  scholars  have  lent  valuable  aid  to  the  government  in  collecting 
important  material  relating  to  the  history  of  the  State.  The  library  of  the  Institute  contains 
five  thousand  volumes,  and  furnishes  in  the  form  of  documents,  pictures,  and  interesting 
relics,  a complete  record.  The  largest  library  of  the  State  is  that  of  the  government,  con- 
taining some  forty  thousand  volumes,  though  the  Law  College  and  the  Gabinete  Portuguez 
de  Leitura  have  well-selected  libraries  of  twenty  thousand  volumes  or  more,  while  some 
private  collections  are  of  great  value. 

Charitable  institutions  are  maintained  by  the  government  and  by  church  societies. 
The  city  hospital  for  nearly  half  a century  has  served  as  an  asylum  for  the  invalid.  Several 
new  hospitals  have  since  been  built,  and  asylums  for  the  poor  and  the  insane  have  been 
added  to  the  State’s  charities,  which  expand  as  the  need  arises  for  increased  accommodation. 

Travellers  who  visit  Pernambuco  are  charmed  with  the  hospitality  of  the  people,  their 
cosmopolitan  interests,  and  the  many  pleasing  features  of  their  social  customs.  Life  is  not 
such  a “rough-and-tumble”  fight  for  the  necessaries  as  it  is  in  less  favored  climates,  and 
consequently  there  is  more  leisure  for  real  enjoyment  in  the  observance  of  social  amenities. 


HALL  OF  CONGRESS,  PERNAMBUCO. 


CHAPTER  XXXII 


ALAGOAS 

/'"NNCE  forming  a part  of  the  original 
capitania  of  Pernambuco,  the  present 
State  of  Alagoas  has  had  an  important  share 
in  the  social  and  political  development  of 
the  northern  coast  region  of  Brazil,  and  has 
been  the  scene  of  many  patriotic  struggles 
in  the  nation’s  history,  its  people  being 
noted  for  their  independent  and  freedom- 
loving  spirit.  Although  it  is  one  of  the 
smaller  States  of  Brazil,  Alagoas  covers  an 
area  nearly  equal  to  that  of  Ireland,  and  is 
among  the  most  productive  of  the  twenty-one  territorial  divisions  of  the  Union.  The 
fertility  of  its  soil  is  phenomenal,  everything  that  belongs  to  a tropical  land  being  grown 
here  with  little  cultivation. 

Alagoas  is  traversed  by  several  serras — low  mountain  ranges  which  form  part  of  the  great 
coast  range  of  Brazil — and  is  drained  by  a number  of  small  rivers  flowing  into  the  Atlantic 
and  by  many  tributaries  of  the  great  Sao  Francisco,  which  forms  the  southern  boundary, 
separating  this  State  from  Bahia  and  Sergipe.  At  the  point  where  it  turns  southeastward 
between  Alagoas  and  Bahia,  the  course  of  this  river,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  miles  long, 
is  interrupted  by  the  stupendous  waterfall  known  as  the  Cachoeira  de  Paulo  Affonso. 

At  the  Sobradinha  begins  a succession  of  foaming  rapids  that  tumble  the  impetuous 
torrent  into  a deep  gorge  walled  by  enormous  perpendicular  rocks,  from  which  it  is  crowded 
over  the  mighty  Cachoeira  de  Paulo  Affonso.  This  grand  waterfall  is  superior  in  height 
and  volume  to  Niagara  itself,  having  nearly  twice  the  descent,  though  presenting  a totally 
different  aspect,  permitting  a closer  view  without  lessening  the  effect  of  the  ensemble. 

The  rapids  that  lead  from  the  Sobradinha  to  the  great  fall  are  numerous,  and  enclosed 
between  towering  walls  of  granite,  more  than  a dozen  being  named,  of  which  six  are 

45’? 


4?6 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


counted  within  a distance  of  fifty  miles.  Before  making  the  great  fall,  the  river  glides  along 
in  the  midst  of  a labyrinth  of  islands,  rocks,  and  pebbles,  which  at  low  tide  may  be  used  as 

stepping-stones  from  one 
bank  to  the  other,  although 
the  volume  of  water  passing 
this  point  is  more  than  a 
thousand  cubic  metres  per 
second,  while  at  high  tide  it 
is  five  times  as  great.  At 
the  verge  of  the  cataract 
three  islands  separate  the 
current,  which  is,  however, 
united  in  the  final  plunge 
down  to  the  abyss  nearly 
three  hundred  feet  below. 
In  times  of  great  flood  this 
majestic  volume  of  water  is 
carried  in  one  grand  sweep 
clear  to  the  bottom,  but 
under  ordinary  conditions  there  are  three  cascades,  the  first  with  a fall  of  about  fifty  feet, 
the  second  seventy-five,  and  the  third  reaching  the  river-bed  below.  While  the  stupendous 
grandeur  of  the  scene  is  magnified  by  the  single  fall,  the  picturesque  beauty  is  enhanced  by 
the  graduated  cataract,  with  its  columns  of  spray  rising  like  incense  as  it  hesitates  on  each 
of  the  jutting  ledges  of  the  cliff.  There  is  no  waterfall  in  the  world  presenting  a more 
marvellous  variety  of  aspects  than  the  Paulo  Affonso. 

The  great  river  pours  out  a yellow  flood  into  the  Atlantic  which  is  colored  for  miles 
from  its  mouth,  the  rate  of  its  discharge  being  estimated  at  about  three  thousand  cubic 
metres  per  second.  From  Piranhas,  a few  leagues  below  the  cataract,  to  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  navigation  is  carried  on  with  small  steamers.  Penedo  is  the  name  of  the  seaport,  and 
ocean  vessels  call  here  regularly  to  receive  and  deliver  merchandise.  The  scenery  along 
the  river  is  very  beautiful,  each  curve  of  the  channel  revealing  a new  aspect  of  tropical 
luxuriance.  Less  pleasing  is  the  knowledge  that  terrible  man-eating  fishes,  known  as 
piranhas  live  in  this  river.  Though  very  small,  they  are  deadly  in  their  attacks  on  the 
unfortunate  swimmer  or  capsized  boatman  who  falls  into  their  midst;  for  they  go  in  shoals 
of  thousands,  and  it  is  the  combined  onslaught  of  their  long  sharp  teeth,  set  in  double  rows 
like  those  of  the  shark,  which  makes  it  impossible  to  escape.  Many  thrilling  stories  are 
related  of  the  piranhas’  victims. 

In  Alagoas,  as  in  Pernambuco,  the  coast  region  is  known  as  the  matta,  and  is  covered 
with  tropical  forests,  in  which  are  found  valuable  medicinal  plants,  hardwoods,  textile  fibres, 
resins,  fruits,  and  other  arboreous  products.  In  this  section  are  many  large  lakes,  the  most 


PALACE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR,  MACEIO 


ALAGOAS 


477 


important  being  A Lagoa  do  Norte,  on  which  the  capital  of  the  State,  Maceio,  is  situated. 
The  name  “Alagoas”  is  derived  from  this  feature  of  the  country. 

Maceio  is  not  only  the  capital,  but  also  the  chief  seaport  and  the  commercial  centre  of 
the  State.  The  products  of  the  matta,  of  the  agricultural  zone,  and  of  the  cattle  ranges  of  the 
west,  are  brought  to  Maceio 
for  shipment,  and  railroads 
are  being  extended  in  all 
directions  to  place  the  State 
capital  in  close  communica- 
tion with  its  various  centres 
of  industrial  activity.  The 
Central  Alagoana  railway 
connects  the  capital  and  its 
port,  which  is  called  Jara- 
gua,  with  the  towns  in  the 
northern  section,  and  joins 
the  Pernambuco  line  at  the 
boundary,  forming  a part 
of  the  system  leased  by 
the  Great  Western  of  Brazil 
Company.  A branch  of  this 
railway  extends  from  Jaragua  to  the  interior  town  of  Vigosa.  The  government  maintains 
another  line,  from  Piranhas  on  the  Sao  Francisco  River  to  Jatoba,  in  the  State  of  Pernambuco, 
constructed  for  transportation  purposes  between  the  points  where  navigation  is  interrupted 
by  the  Falls  of  Paulo  Affonso.  New  railways  are  being  built  from  the  capital  to  the  Falls  of 
Paulo  Affonso,  and  to  the  northeastern  boundary. 

The  chief  agricultural  products  of  Alagoas  are  sugar  and  cotton,  this  State  lying  in  the 
richest  section  of  the  Brazilian  “cotton  belt”;  large  quantities  of  dyewoods  are  exported 
annually,  and  the  commerce  of  the  State  is  steadily  increasing.  Its  manufacturing  indus- 
tries are  gaining  in  importance  and  include  sugar  refineries;  establishments  for  the  manu- 
facture of  vinegar;  tobacco  and  cigar  works;  factories  for  making  alcohol;  cotton  factories; 
pottery  works;  saw  mills;  and  an  increasing  number  of  smaller  factories  for  making  shoes, 
furniture,  leather,  and  various  other  articles.  The  exports  amount  to  three  million  dollars 
gold  annually,  the  greater  part  of  the  State  revenue  being  derived  from  sugar  and  cotton. 
Although  small  in  area,  Alagoas  is  one  of  the  most  populous  States  of  Brazil,  having  eight 
hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  or  thirty-two  to  the  square  mile,  which  is  more  than  any 
other  Brazilian  State  can  claim,  outside  of  the  Federal  district  and  the  State  of  Rio.  The 
governor  is  Dr.  Euclydes  Vieira  Malta,  a progressive  and  public-spirited  executive. 

The  State  capital  has  a population  of  forty  thousand  and  is  divided  into  four  sections, 
or  bairros:  Maceio  is  the  city  proper,  in  which  are  located  the  governor’s  palace,  and  other 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  MACEIO. 


4^8 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


public  buildings  as  well  as  most  of  the  residences;  in  this  section  are  the  churches,  the 
theatre,  the  lyceum  and  other  schools,  the  post  office,  market,  etc.  Jaragua,  the  seaport, 
connected  by  street  car  with  Maceio,  is  the  commercial  section,  where  the  docks,  the  custom 
house,  consular  agencies,  importing  houses,  and  banks  are  to  be  found.  Levada  and  Jacu- 
tinga  are  residence  suburbs;  in  the  former  are  located  the  insane  asylum,  the  cemetery,  and 
the  military  quartel.  The  schools  and  charitable  institutions  of  the  capital,  and  throughout  the 
State,  are  maintained  as  liberally  as  funds  will  allow.  Within  the  past  few  years  primary  school 
methods  have  been  greatly  improved  and  the  average  attendance  has  considerably  increased. 
The  colleges  of  Maceio  and  Penedo,  the  Normal  Schools,  and  the  Lyceums  of  Arts  and  Crafts 
in  various  towns  are  well  attended.  The  Instituto  Alagoano  is  one  of  the  most  important  edu- 
cational institutions  of  the  State.  It  was  founded  in  1901,  as  a boarding  and  day  school,  its 
curriculum  being  the  same  as  that  of  the  National  Gymnasium  and  the  Lyceum  of  Alagoas. 

The  oldest  institution  of  its  kind  in  Alagoas  is  the  Archaeological  and  Geographical  Institute, 
which  was  founded  in  1869,  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  historical  documents  and  preserving 
ancient  monuments,  inscriptions,  etc.,  found  in  the  State,  as  well  as  to  encourage  literary  and 
scientific  research.  Some  valuable  fossils  have  been  secured  through  the  activity  of  the  Insti- 
tute, and  have  been  placed  in  the  National  Museum  of  Rio.  The  library  of  the  Institute,  as 
well  as  the  Public  Library  of  Maceio,  contains  an  important  collection  of  volumes  relating  to  the 
history  and  geography  of  Brazil,  and  having  especial  bearing  on  Alagoas,  many  of  which  have 
been  donated  by  public-spirited  men  of  wealth  or  bequeathed  by  scientists  of  the  State. 

Alagoas  has  given  many  great  leaders  to  Brazil, — soldiers,  statesmen,  and  men  of  letters. 
Marshal  Floriano  Peixoto  was  a native  of  this  State,  also  Tavares  Bastos,  one  of  the  most 
noted  orators  and  writers  of  the  empire,  Dr.  Mello  Moraes,  the  eminent  historian,  Ladislao 
Netto,  the  great  naturalist,  and  others  whose  life-work  has  made  their  names  famous  in 
Europe  as  well  as  in  Brazil. 


BUSINESS  STREET.  MACEIO 


BAHIA.  VIEW  FROM  THE  UPPER  CITY. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 


BAHIA 


T1 


'HE  same  benign  destiny  that  directed  the  ships  of  Pedro 
Alvares  Cabral  to  the  shores  of  Brazil  led  to  his  disem- 
barkation at  a point  where  nature  had  showered  upon  the  earth 
the  greatest  abundance  of  her  blessings.  Unlike  the  Puritan 
settlers  who  landed  a century  later  on  the  bleak  coast  of  New 
England,  the  discoverers  of  the  “ Island  of  the  True  Cross”  and 
their  successors  agreed  in  declaring  that  they  had  found  a para- 
dise on  earth. 

It  was  about  a year  after  the  first  dis- 
covery of  Brazil  that  the  Portuguese  fleet, 
accompanied  by  Americus  Vespucius,  and 
commanded  by  Christovao  Jacques,  entered 
the  magnificent  harbor  of  Bahia,  which  was 
named  by  the  discoverers,  in  honor  of  the 
feast  day  on  which  it  was  first  seen,  “Bahia 
de  Todos  os  Santos  ” [Bay  of  All  Saints].  The 
settlement  of  the  new  territory  began  a few 
years  later,  and  the  present  city  of  Bahia  was 
founded  in  1 5^49,  thirty-five  years  earlier  than 
the  foundation  of  St.  Augustine,  the  oldest 
city  in  the  United  States  of  America.  Bahia 
was  the  chief  seat  of  colonial  power  from 
1 $49  to  1762,  and  during  that  time  was  the  official  residence  of  all  the  high  functionaries 
representing  the  crown : the  governor-general,  the  onvidor,  the  supervisor  of  the  exchequer, 
and  the  capitao-mor,  or  overseer  of  the  coast.  When  the  colonial  capital  was  transferred 
to  Rio  de  Janeiro  in  1762,  the  progress  of  Bahia  was  not  retarded  by  the  change,  develop- 
ment being  rapid  and  uninterrupted  everywhere  in  the  territory,  which  even  at  that  day 

461 


MONUMENT  DOIS  DE  JULHO. 


462 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


had  a world-wide  commercial  importance  as  the  centre  of  rich  mineral  wealth  and  of  great 
agricultural  resources. 

The  State  of  Bahia  enjoys  many  natural  advantages.  It  has  an  area  of  nearly  two 
hundred  thousand  square  miles,  with  seven  hundred  miles  of  coast  line,  and  its  climate  is 
generally  healthful  and  moderate,  a great  extent  of  the  territory  being  mountainous,  with 
plateaus  two  thousand  feet  above  sea  level,  while  the  whole  State  is  intersected  by  magnifi- 
cent rivers  that  drain  every  part  of  it.  On  the  coast  the  weather  is  warm  all  the  year  round, 
the  hottest  months  being  from  December  to  April,  when  this  locality  is  subject  to  malarial 
diseases;  in  the  interior  the  climate  is  far  more  temperate,  and  fevers  are  unknown,  the 
natural  conditions  being  similar  to  those  existing  in  the  adjoining  States  of  Goyaz,  Minas 
Geraes,  and  Piauhy;  its  coast  climate  resembles  that  of  Espirito  Santo  to  the  south,  and 
Sergipe,  Alagoas,  and  Pernambuco  to  the  north. 

The  State  is  rich  in  vegetation,  the  commercial  products  from  this  source  including 
various  kinds  of  hardwood  for  cabinet  purposes  and  fancy  woods;  the  medicinal  plant 
manaQa,  from  the  leaves,  roots,  and  stems  of  which  a vegetable  mercury  is  extracted; 
araroba,  furnishing  an  excellent  caustic  powder,  sold  in  England  under  the  name  of  Goa 
powder;  the  balsam  of  the  capahuba;  and  several  kinds  of  oil,  resin,  and  wax.  The 
coquilla  nut  palm  furnishes  the  fibre  used  in  the  manufacture  of  brushes  and  brooms. 
The  nuts  are  shipped  in  enormous  quantities  to  the  Orient,  where  they  are  carved  and 
ornamented  to  furnish  the  rosary  beads  and  crosses  sold  in  all  parts  of  the  world;  the 
kernel  of  the  nut  yields  a fine  quality  of  lubricating  oil ; and  from  the  fibre  of  the  leaf  stalks 
the  brooms  and  ropes  of  commerce  are  made;  the  seeds,  which  are  called  coquilla  nuts, 
grow  in  clusters,  in  a similar  fashion  to  the  banana  fruit,  and  are  three  or  four  inches  long, 
brown  in  color,  very  hard,  and  of  sufficient  thickness  to  be  turned  into  various  ornaments, 
such  as  beads  and  crosses,  for  which  they  are  largely  used. 

The  agricultural  industries  of  the  State  are  in  a flourishing  condition,  and  the  arduous 
labor  that  is  necessary  to  ensure  a satisfactory  harvest  in  less  favored  zones  is  practically 
unknown  in  this  “smiling  land.”  The  Sao  Francisco  River,  with  its  great  tributaries,  drains 
all  the  central  and  western  region  of  the  State  as  it  flows  northward  to  the  boundary 
between  Bahia  and  Pernambuco,  where  it  turns  abruptly  to  the  southeast,  separating  Bahia 
from  the  State  of  Alagoas.  The  valley  of  this  river  is  one  of  the  most  fertile  regions  of  the 
globe,  and  so  enormously  productive  that  crops  are  gathered  year  after  year  with  hardly  any 
other  labor  than  that  of  planting  the  seed  and  taking  in  the  harvest.  Tobacco  is  produced 
in  large  quantities,  twenty-five  thousand  tons  being  exported  annually  to  the  value  of  five 
million  dollars  gold,  and  the  cigar  and  cigarette  factories  employ  thousands  of  men,  women, 
and  children.  Coffee  is  an  important  source  of  revenue,  the  receipts  from  this  industry 
amounting  to  two  million  dollars  annually.  Rubber  is  exported  in  increasing  quantities 
every  year,  the  interior  of  the  State  containing  vast  forests  with  an  abundance  of  rubber 
trees  which  will  yield  rich  harvests  as  soon  as  the  difficulties  of  transportation  have  been 
overcome  sufficiently  to  make  this  source  of  wealth  available.  Cotton  is  grown  with  little 


BAHIA 


463 


cultivation,  and  the  cotton  factories  of  the  State  furnish  employment  to  thousands  of 
workmen.  The  sugar  plantations  are  in  good  condition,  and  several  refineries  exist  in 
various  parts  of  the  State,  the  revenue  from  this  industry  amounting  to  nearly  a million 
dollars  gold. 

The  cultivation  of  cacao  has  prospered  notably  in  the  southern  districts  from  Valenqa  to 
Alcobapa,  especially  in  Ilheos,  Cannavieiras,  and  Belmonte.  The  nature  of  the  plant  requires 
a damp  soil,  containing  a considerable  amount  of  clay  and  having  a thick  layer  of  vegetable 
mould.  The  exportation  of  this  product  reaches  thousands  of  tons,  and  is  increasing  annually. 


STREET  SCENE  IN  THE  UPPER  CITY  BAHIA 


Mandioca  is  grown  in  every  part  of  the  State,  chiefly  for  the  home  market,  which  it  has 
supplied  extensively  ever  since  colonial  days,  when  the  cultivation  of  the  product  was  made 
obligatory  by  law.  The  fertility  of  the  soil  guarantees  the  best  results  from  the  cultivation 
of  all  kinds  of  cereals,  from  truck  gardening  and  fruit  growing;  the  yield  of  mangoes  is 
larger  than  that  of  any  other  State. 

Cattle  and  hides  are  shipped  from  Bahia  in  large  quantities,  the  value  of  the  trade  in 
hides  reaching  half  a million  dollars  annually.  The  manufactures  of  the  State  include,  besides 
extensive  cotton  mills  and  tobacco  works,  several  match  factories,  tanneries,  saw  mills, 
foundries,  and  other  enterprises. 


464 


THE  HEIV  BRAZIL 


An  important  syndicate  has  recently  been  formed  in  this  State  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
moting industrial  and  agricultural  interests,  and  especially  to  develop  the  trade  in  textile 
fibres,  which  the  forests  of  the  State  produce  in  abundance,  and  which,  under  the  names  of 
barbantina , cambrayna,  etc.,  are  recognized  as  valuable  for  the  manufacture  of  woven  goods, 
twine,  rope,  and  similar  articles. 

Bahia  is  rich  in  mineral  resources,  and  new  discoveries  are  constantly  being  made  as 
the  extension  of  railways  through  the  interior  leads  to  the  opening  up  of  hitherto  unex- 
plored regions.  Diamonds  are  found  in  several  different  sections  of  the  State,  especially 
along  the  course  of  the  Rio  de  Contas  and  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  Pardo,  both  rivers  flowing 
from  the  coast  range  to  the  Atlantic.  All  the  rivers  that  drain  the  coast  region — which  is 
divided  from  the  interior  plateaus  by  numerous  serras  that  together  form  the  great  chain 
generally  known  as  the  Serra  do  Mar — pass  through  districts  in  which  gold,  copper,  manga- 
nese, or  precious  stones  have  been  found.  Besides  those  already  named,  the  itapicuru, 
Paraguassu,  Jaguaribe,  and  Jequitinhonha  are  the  most  important.  The  largest  diamond 
carbonate  ever  found  was  discovered  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  de  Contas,  near  the  town  of 
Lengoes,  in  1895".  It  weighed  more  than  three  thousand  carats,  and  was  sold  by  the  miner 
for  twenty  thousand  dollars;  it  was  afterward  sent  to  Paris  and  divided  into  smaller  stones. 
In  the  Rio  Pardo  basin  are  the  rich  diamondiferous  placers  of  Cannavieiras,  and  in  the 
Paraguassu  are  found  diamonds  of  peculiar  brilliancy  though  not  so  perfect  as  those  of 
Cannavieiras.  In  the  district  called  Lavras  Diamantinas,  diamond  mining  is  the  chief 
industry,  and  many  valuable  stones  have  been  discovered.  Topazes,  amethysts,  beryls, 
tourmalines,  aquamarines,  etc.,  are  found  in  abundance.  Near  the  town  of  Prado  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  State,  an  American  mining  engineer  recently  found  valuable  deposits 
of  monazite  sand,  rich  in  thorium  silicate,  which  is  now  being  exported  in  large  quantities 
to  Germany  and  Austria,  where  the  thorium  is  prepared  that  fills  an  important  place  in 
the  manufacture  of  incandescent  lights.  This  sand  is  estimated  to  be  worth  a hundred 
dollars  a ton. 

Chiefly  through  the  efforts  of  the  present  Minister  of  Industry,  Railways,  and  Public 
Works  of  Brazil,  Dr.  Miguel  Calmon  du  Pin  e Almeida,  who  was  formerly  minister  of  the 
same  department  in  the  State  of  Bahia,  a new  mining  law  has  been  established  in  this  State, 
according  to  which  the  position,  rights,  and  duties  of  companies  or  individuals  engaged  in 
mining  are  clearly  defined.  The  conditions  under  which  mining  may  be  carried  on,  the  taxes 
to  which  the  industry  is  subject,  and  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  discoverer  of  new  fields 
are  explained  so  that  there  need  be  no  difficulty  in  learning  what  the  law  requires. 

The  exploitation  of  the  mines  of  Bahia  depends  largely  upon  the  facilities  of  transporta- 
tion, and  not  only  are  the  diamond  mines  being  developed  more  satisfactorily  as  railways 
are  extended  to  reach  the  headquarters  of  this  industry,  but  gold,  manganese,  copper,  and 
monazite  are  mined  with  better  results  when  within  easy  communication  with  the  centres 
of  trade.  The  principal  railways  of  the  State  are:  the  Bahia  and  Sao  Francisco  line  from  the 
capital  to  the  city  of  Juazeiro  on  the  Sao  Francisco  river,  where  it  marks  the  boundary  of 


BAHIA 


46^ 

Pernambuco;  the  Bahia  Central,  from  the  State  capital  west  to  Machado  Portella,  in  the 
mining  district;  the  Caravellas  Railway  in  the  south,  and  several  shorter  lines.  In  addition 
to  the  railways,  there  are  several  steamship  lines  connecting  the  various  ports  on  the  coast 
and  along  the  navigable  course  of  the  rivers.  A new  steamship  line,  the  “ Navegacao 
Bahiana,”  which  is  subsidized  by  the  State  government,  has  been  established  for  transporta- 
tion between  Bahia  and  Pernambuco  and  the  intermediate  ports  of  Aracaju,  Penedo,  and 
Maceio.  The  governor  of  Bahia,  Dr.  Jose  Marcelino  de  Sousa,  takes  especial  interest  in  this 
line,  which  has  added  greatly  to  the  comfort  and  pleasure  of  travel  on  the  coast.  The 
steamers  are  of  modern  construction  and  are  elegantly  fitted  up  for  the  convenience  of 
passengers;  many  tourists  find  it  particularly  enjoyable  to  go  by  this  route  to  visit  the 
famous  Paulo  Affonso  Falls,  taking  small  steamers  up  the  river  from  Penedo  to  Piranhas, 
near  the  foot  of  the  cataract.  The  Bahia  Southern  covers  an  itinerary  of  three  hundred 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  BAHIA. 


and  fifty  miles  along  the  coast  from  the  capital  southward,  and  its  steamers  call  regularly  at 
the  ports  of  Ilheos,  Cannavieiras,  Belmonte,  Santa  Cruz,  Porto  Seguro,  Prado,  Alcobaca, 
Caravellas,  and  Sao  Jose.  A steamship  line  navigates  the  Sao  Francisco  River  from  Joazeiro 
to  Pirapora,  a distance  of  nearly  a thousand  miles.  Steamers  also  ply  between  the  city  of 
Bahia  and  the  various  ports  of  the  great  bay  of  Todos  os  Santos,  or  All  Saints. 

The  Bay  of  All  Saints  is  about  the  size  of  Rio  Harbor,  and,  like  that  beautiful  sheet  of 
water,  has  many  bright  emerald  “pompons”  here  and  there,  decorating  its  broad  surface. 
Itapariga  is  the  principal  island  in  the  bay,  and  its  clear  outlines  are  among  the  first  features 
of  the  landscape  presented  within  the  harbor  enclosure,  which  is  protected  on  all  sides  by 
fortifications.  Like  a luxurious  Oriental,  the  capital  city,  Bahia,  is  stretched  out  on  her 
feathery  couch  of  green,  apparently  enjoying  her  reflection  in  the  waters  below.  All  along 
the  shore  a high  bluff  extends,  dividing  the  city  into  two  parts  connected  by  inclined  rail- 
ways and  electric  elevators.  Many  beautiful  suburbs  increase  the  attractiveness  of  the 


466 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


picture.  The  pretty  little  village  of  Rio  Vermelho,  looking  directly  out  upon  the  sea,  is 
especially  popular  among  the  Bahians  as  a place  of  summer  residence.  Romantic  nooks 
and  verdure-clad  ravines  ornament  the  hillocks  that  extend  along  the  northern  margin  of  the 
bay,  and  from  the  peninsula  of  Bomfim,  on  a pretty  knoll  of  which  is  situated  a historic 
church,  a perfect  view  of  both  the  harbor  and  the  city  is  to  be  had.  The  city  of  Sao 
Salvador  da  Bahia,  or,  as  it  is  popularly  called,  Bahia,  is  the  social,  educational,  and  com- 
mercial metropolis  of  the  State,  toward  which  the  interests  of  the  whole  population, 
numbering  throughout  the  State  about  two  and  a half  millions,  naturally  gravitate,  as  to 
the  chief  centre  of  wealth.  The  city  is  divided  into  two  sections, — the  Cidade  Baixa,  or 
“ lower  city,”  lying  close  to  the  bay,  where  the  commercial  houses,  custom  house,  public 
markets,  warehouses,  the  arsenals  of  war  and  marine,  the  post  office,  and  several  fac- 
tories are  located,  as  well  as  some  of  the  charitable  institutions;  and  the  Cidade  Alta,  or 
“upper  city,”  which  is  the  residence  section,  beautified  by  parks,  avenues,  and  suburban 
driveways,  and  particularly  noted  for  the  important  public  buildings  located  in  this  part 
of  the  capital. 

The  Governor’s  Palace  is  situated  in  the  upper  city,  near  the  entrance  to  the  Lacerda 
elevator,  and  within  a few  minutes’  ride  of  the  lower  city.  It  is  a modern  building  of 
attractive  architectural  design  and  spacious  dimensions.  The  Senate  building  and  the 
municipal  building  occupy  commanding  sites  in  the  upper  city.  There  are  nearly  a hundred 
churches  and  church  institutions,  among  which  the  Cathedral  possesses  particular  claims  to 
attention  as  one  of  the  oldest  buildings  in  America,  having  been  originally  erected  as  a 
Jesuit  college  in  the  sixteenth  century,  though  rebuilt  and  improved  at  various  times  since. 
As  stated  elsewhere,  several  of  the  churches  of  Bahia  are  celebrated  for  their  costly  interiors 
as  well  as  for  their  historic  associations. 

Among  other  important  public  buildings  is  that  of  the  Faculty  of  Medicine,  one  of  the 
oldest  and  most  noted  institutions  of  Brazil,  having  been  established  when  the  Regent  Dom 
Joao  VI.  visited  Bahia  in  1808.  A Brazilian  physician  who  accompanied  the  royal  family 
was  the  founder  of  the  Collegio  Medico-Cirurgico,  as  it  was  originally  named,  the  first 
lectures  being  delivered  in  the  Military  Hospital  of  Bahia.  A few  years  later  the  plan  of  the 
institution  was,  by  royal  charter,  improved  and  extended,  and  in  1832  it  was  given  its 
present  name,  and  installed  in  a suitable  edifice,  the  course  of  studies  being  amplified  and 
directed  according  to  more  strict  regulations.  It  was  not,  however,  until  1882  that  the 
faculty  began  to  win  renown  as  one  of  the  best  medical  institutions  in  South  America. 
During  that  year  it  was  completely  reorganized  by  the  emperor,  seven  new  chairs  were 
created,  making  the  whole  number  twenty-six,  new  laboratories  were  opened,  and  medical 
and  surgical  training  was  inaugurated  according  to  more  practical  methods  than  those 
hitherto  employed.  In  1901  a chair  of  bacteriology  was  created,  and  a laboratory  for 
experiment  in  this  important  study  was  established.  The  curriculum  is  divided  into  twelve 
sections,  which  embrace  every  branch  of  medicine,  and  the  course  of  study  extends  over  six 
years,  especial  attention  being  paid  to  clinical  lectures,  which  are  given  in  the  Misericordia 


BAHIA 


467 


and  other  hospitals,  as  well  as  in  the  Clinic  Institute  of  the  Faculty.  The  building  is  lighted 
with  electricity  and  equipped  with  all  modern  conveniences. 

Bahia  contributes  large  sums  annually  for  educational  purposes,  the  State  and  munici- 
palities maintaining  more  than  a thousand  schools,  of  which  nine  hundred  are  devoted  to 
primary  instruction.  The  Law  College,  which  was  founded  in  1891,  occupies  a handsome 
building  in  a beautiful  location,  and  has  a large  average  attendance.  An  Agricultural  Insti- 
tute, located  in  the  district  of  Sao  Bento  de  Lages,  at  a short  distance  from  the  capital, 
provides  practical  training  in  farm  management  The  State  Normal  School,  which  has  a 
kindergarten  annexed  to  it,  is  conducted  according  to  the  best  system  of  pedagogical 
training,  and  its  graduates  are  to  be  found  in  the  highest  positions  open  to  the  profession. 
One  of  the  best  schools  of  Bahia  is  the  Lyceum  of  Arts  and  Trades,  which  was  founded  in 


FACULTY  OF  MEDICINE,  BAHIA 


1872;  it  has  day  and  night  classes,  workshops  for  manual  training,  and  class  rooms  for 
lectures.  About  two  thousand  five  hundred  pupils  attend  this  school,  and  the  course  of 
instruction  includes  every  branch  of  practical  work.  A fine  library,  a picture  gallery,  and  a 
museum  of  architecture  are  at  the  disposal  of  the  students,  who  seem  to  enjoy  their  work- 
ing hours  as  thoroughly  as  they  do  the  intermission.  They  have  organized  a band  of  music 
and  frequently  give  concerts  to  the  public.  Among  other  important  schools  are  the  gym- 
nasium, the  ecclesiastical  seminary,  the  Salesian  College,  the  school  of  Santa  Theresa,  and 
many  private  institutions.  The  Public  Library,  which  was  founded  in  1811  by  the  Count 
of  Arcos,  contains  thirty  thousand  volumes  and  is  installed  in  a handsome  edifice.  There 
is  also  a valuable  collection  of  twenty  thousand  volumes  in  the  Municipal  Library,  and 
another  of  about  fifteen  thousand  volumes  in  the  Gabinete  Portuguez,  besides  other  libraries 
belonging  to  colleges,  convents,  and  clubs. 


468 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


The  Historical  and  Geographical  Institute  is  one  of  the  principal  intellectual  centres  of 
the  capital,  which  has  always  been  famous  for  its  brilliant  scholars,  poets,  and  statesmen. 
Castro  Alves,  the  poet;  Marquis  d’Abrantes,  the  silver-tongued  orator;  Zacarias  de  Vascon- 
cellos,  the  statesman;  the  illustrious  Viscount  de  Rio-Branco;  Alves  Branco,  Gregorio  de 
Mattos,  Baron  de  Cotegipe,  Nabuco  de  Araujo,  and  Agrario  de  Menezes,  are  among  the 
distinguished  Brazilian  names  in  literature,  statecraft,  and  journalism  belonging  to  patriots 
and  scholars  cradled  in  the  luxuriance  which  Nature  lavishes  with  a free  hand  upon  the 
smiling  fields  and  forests  of  Bahia. 

The  numerous  charitable  institutions  of  Bahia  are  well  supported  and  sanitation  and 
hygiene  have  been  greatly  improved  within  the  past  few  years,  the  Central  Board  of  Health 
having  charge  of  the  lazarettos,  the  disinfection  department  of  the  city  service,  and  the 
vaccine  institute.  The  same  system  of  sanitation  is  practised  in  Bahia  as  in  Rio  and  Sao 
Paulo,  every  precaution  being  observed  in  order  that  the  capital  may  be  kept  free  from 
epidemics.  Misericordia  Hospital,  the  Insane  Asylum,  the  Military  Hospital,  and  the  Maternity 
Home  are  among  the  most  important  charities  supported  by  the  government.  The  ladies  of 
Bahia  have  taken  the  greatest  interest  in  the  Maternity  Home,  of  which  Senhora  Maria 
Cerquiera  de  Conde  is  the  president.  The  poorhouse  is  a very  attractive  looking  home, 
situated  in  the  suburb  of  Boa  Viagem,  and  surrounded  with  gardens  of  flowers. 

The  city  is  beautified  by  many  public  squares,  pranas,  and  largos , of  which  the  principal 
is  the  Praga  da  Constituigao,  containing  the  Governor’s  Palace  and  other  administrative 
offices.  In  the  Largo  Quinze  de  Novembro  the  Cathedral  is  situated,  also  the  Faculty  of 
Medicine,  the  famous  convent  of  Sao  Francisco,  and  several  other  churches;  the  Nazareth 
praga,  beautified  by  the  handsome  new  charity  hospital  erected  here  a few  years  ago;  the 
Praga  dos  Martyres;  Largo  Duque  de  Caxias,  in  the  midst  of  which  stands  the  majestic 
monument  of  white  Carrara  marble  and  bronze,  a hundred  feet  in  height,  named  Dois  de 
Julho  [second  of  July],  which  commemorates  the  date  of  the  country’s  political  independ- 
ence; the  Largo  da  Graga,  where  the  ancient  monastery  of  that  name  is  situated;  the  square 
named  for  the  celebrated  Bahian  poet,  Castro  Alves;  the  Praga  do  Riachuelo,  with  the  hand- 
some edifice  of  the  Commercial  Association  overlooking  it,  and  in  the  centre  a stately  bronze 
monument  on  a pedestal  of  marble,  capped  with  eight  volutes  upholding  a sphere  on  which 
stands  the  figure  of  Victory,  bearing  a palm  in  one  hand  and  a laurel  in  the  other,  symbolizing 
the  victory  of  the  Brazilian  armies  in  the  Paraguayan  war,  which  the  monument  commem- 
orates. Surpassing  all  the  other  parks  of  the  city  in  extent  and  luxuriance  of  foliage,  in 
variety  of  attractive  and  entertaining  accessories,  and  as  a popular  resort  on  feast  days  and 
other  holidays,  is  the  beautiful  garden  in  the  parish  of  Victoria,  overlooking  the  sea,  the 
Passeio  Publico,  which  contains,  among  other  interesting  features,  a magnificent  marble 
monolith,  set  up  to  commemorate  the  opening  of  Brazilian  ports  to  foreign  commerce  in  1808. 
Four  systems  of  street  railway  traverse  the  city,  connecting  it  with  the  picturesque  suburbs 
of  Rio  Vermelho,  Itapagipe,  Barra,  Plata,  Forma,  and  Retiro.  The  shrine  of  Nosso  Senhor 
do  Bomfim,  which  attracts  thousands  of  visitors  annually,  is  situated  in  the  suburb  of 


BAHIA 


469 


Itapagipe,  on  the  crest  of  a beautiful  hill  overlooking  the  sea.  The  State  is  dotted  with 
innumerable  small  towns  and  cities,  rapidly  growing  in  size  and  number.  The  principal 
cities  of  more  than  fifty  thousand  inhabitants  are  Feira  de  Santa  Anna,  especially  noted  for 
its  cattle  market;  Bomfim,  a thriving  commercial  town  in  territory  particularly  adapted  to 
wine  growing,  cacao  culture,  and  wheat  farming;  and  Maragogipe,  about  thirty  miles  from 
the  State  capital,  the  centre  of  a rich  coffee  district,  and  of  valuable  mines  of  gold  and  iron. 
There  are  several  busy  little  cities  of  twenty  thousand  and  upward  in  population,  such  as 
Santo  Amaro,  situated  about  ten  miles  inland  from  the  harbor  of  Bahia,  and  noted  for  its 
tobacco  factories  and  distilleries;  Alagoinhas,  an  important  railroad  terminus  and  the  com- 
mercial centre  of  a large  district;  Cachoeira,  on  the  bank  of  the  Paraguassu  River,  not  far 
from  the  capital,  a flourishing  city  with  cotton  and  spinning  mills,  and  united  by  a bridge 
with  the  neighboring  town  of  Sao  Felix,  which  has  one  of  the  best  cigar  factories  in  the 
State;  Jacobina,  rich  in  gold  mines  and  having  extensive  cotton  fields  and  yerba  mate  plan- 
tations, and  also  famous  for  the  manufacture  of  goibada , or  guava. jelly;  and  Ilheos,  from 
which  are  exported  large  quantities  of  coffee  and  cacao,  the  surrounding  territory  being  also 
rich  in  petroleum  and  other  products.  Nazareth,  Valenga,  Caetite,  and  Joazeiro,  on  the 
Sao  Francisco  River,  connected  by  railway  with  the  city  of  Bahia,  and  Lengoes,  are  pros- 
perous commercial  and  manufacturing  towns. 

The  future  holds  out  the  promise  of  great  wealth  to  this  prosperous  and  growing  State, 
which  now  ranks  fifth  in  the  value  of  its  export  trade,  the  Federal  district,  Sao  Paulo,  Ama- 
zonas, and  Para  being  its  only  rivals  in  commercial  importance. 

The  city  of  Bahia  is  lighted  with  electricity  and  provided  with  ample  means  of  trans- 
portation in  three  electric  street  car  lines,  as  well  as  a suburban  railway  system  between  the 
city  and  Ondina,  a seaside  resort  for  residents  of  the  capital.  New  port  works  are  under 
construction,  which,  when  completed,  will  greatly  facilitate  trade  and  improve  the  aspect  of 
the  lower  city,  by  making  its  landing  place  a more  attractive  feature  of  the  otherwise 
beautiful  landscape.  The  governor  is  untiring  in  his  efforts  for  the  progress  of  the  State, 
and  he  is  aided  by  a corps  of  able  assistants  in  the  secretaries  of  his  cabinet.  Bahia  is  the 
archiepiscopal  see,  His  Grace  Archbishop  Jeronymo  Thome  da  Silva  being  head  of  the 
diocese.  Social  life  is  very  charming  in  Bahia;  in  no  city  of  Brazil  are  more  beautiful 
homes  to  be  found,  and  nowhere  is  gracious  hospitality  dispensed  with  more  pleasing  com- 
pliment. European  custom  prevails  in  social  life  to  a certain  extent,  though  the  same  spirit 
of  New  World  freedom  which  has  set  its  impress  upon  the  political  and  commercial  institu- 
tions of  the  country  is  to  be  observed  in  a growing  tendency  toward  social  emancipation. 
It  is  no  longer  forbidden  to  ladies  to  go  shopping  or  visiting  unattended;  and  even  young 
ladies  are  sometimes  seen  alone  on  the  streets,  though  the  chaperon  system  is  so  thoroughly 
rooted  in  the  social  life  of  all  Latin  nations  that  changes  in  this  respect  are  necessarily  con- 
servative. Nothing  can  be  more  delightful  than  the  social  occasions  graced  by  the  presence 
of  representative  Bahian  society.  The  little  tete-a-tetes  between  dances,  that  so  greatly 
facilitate  the  archery  of  Cupid  in  North  American  drawing  rooms,  are  almost  unknown  in 


470 


THE  NEEH  BRAZIL 


Brazil;  yet  eyes  may  speak  the  universal  language  of  youth  and  love  regardless  of  the 
tongue’s  limitation,  so  that  these  gatherings  are  always  in  favor  with  the  young  people, 
particularly  as  the  opportunity  for  mutual  converse  is  even  still  more  restricted  in  the  quiet 
home  circle,  where  the  whole  family  must  share  the  secret  of  every  expression.  Among 
the  poorer  classes  the  fiesta  is  the  great  opportunity  for  social  display,  and  to  the  visitor  the 
scenes  that  attend  these  anniversaries  are  particularly  captivating  for  their  unique  charm. 
Bahia  possesses  many  social  characteristics  sui  generis,  and  in  this  respect  also  it  is  like  the 
Crescent  City  of  North  America.  The  city  has  a population  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  inhabitants. 


SCHOOL  OF  FINE  ARTS,  BAHIA 


CHAPTER  XXXIV 


ESP1R1TO  SANTO 


JN  few  States  of  the  Brazilian  Union  are  the 
1 natural  conditions  more  favorable  for  indus- 
trial development  than  in  Espirito  Santo,  which 
lies  just  north  of  the  State  of  Rio,  east  of  Minas 
Geraes,  and  south  of  Bahia.  Occupying  a strip 
of  fertile  land  along  the  coast,  two  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  long  and  eighty  miles  wide,  it  is 
capable  of  yielding  all  the  products  of  a tropical, 
and,  on  the  plateau  of  the  interior,  many  of  those 
of  semi-tropical  and  even  temperate  zones.  In 
the  northern  and  eastern  parts  of  the  State  are 
flat  plains  covered  with  luxuriant  vegetation  and 
having  innumerable  small  lakes  and  marshes,  on 
the  borders  of  which  grow  various  palms,  myr- 
tles, and  cacti.  Beyond  this  low  land,  which 
skirts  the  coast  line  as  far  south  as  the  Rio  Doce, 
dividing  the  State  into  two  regions,  extend  high 
semis  branching  off  from  the  main  chain  of  the 
Mantiquiera  and  taking  various  names  in  different 
sections.  The  climate  is  moist  and  very  warm  along  the  coast,  but  agreeable  in  the 
interior,  where  the  thermometer  never  registers  above  twenty-four  degrees  nor  below  six 
degrees  centigrade,  and  it  is  generally  healthful.  The  forests  supply  the  most  valuable 
woods  of  commerce,  such  as  rosewood;  the  peroba,  much  used  in  cabinet  work  and  in 
shipbuilding;  the  genipapo,  a very  elastic  wood  of  a peculiar  lilac  color;  the  itapicuru, 
having  the  appearance  of  rosewood  seamed  with  yellow  fibres;  and  many  other  varieties 
for  general  building  purposes.  The  soil  is  particularly  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  coffee, 
sugar,  cotton,  cereals,  mandioca,  cacao,  and  fruits.  The  State  is  abundantly  watered,  being 


COLONEL  HENRIQUE  DA  SILVA  COUTINHO, 
PRESIDENT  OF  ESPIRITO  SANTO. 


471 


472 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


traversed  by  the  Rio  Doce,  a large  river  that  rises  near  Ouro  Preto,  in  the  neighboring 
State  of  Minas  Geraes  and  is  noted  for  the  gold,  precious  stones,  and  diamond-bearing 


VICTORIA,  CAPITAL  OF  THE  STATE  OF  ESPIRITO  SANTO. 


gravel  found  in  its  upper  streams;  by  the  Itauna,  San  Domingos,  and  San  Matheus  in  the 
north,  and  by  the  Timbuhy,  Santa  Maria,  Jucu,  Itapemirim,  Itabapoana,  and  smaller  rivers, 
with  their  tributaries,  in  the  middle  and  southern  regions. 

Although  the  agricultural  possibilities  of  the  State  have  not  been  fully  developed,  owing 
chiefly  to  lack  of  population,  yet  the  principal  industries,  coffee  growing  and  sugar  culture, 
produce  large  revenues.  This  little  State  ranks  third  in  the  Union  in  the  quantity  of  coffee 
which  it  ships  annually  to  foreign  ports,  amounting  to  nearly  half  a million  bags,  the 
greater  part  consigned  to  the  United  States.  The  culture  of  sugar  cane  is  one  of  the  most 
productive  industries,  and  rice  growing  promises  to  be  a valuable  source  of  revenue,  the 
only  drawback  being  in  the  lack  of  sufficient  laborers  to  till  the  ground  and  gather  in 
the  harvests.  The  State  has  now  two  hundred  and  ten  thousand  inhabitants,  though  its 
fertile  soil  could  easily  support  ten  times  that  population. 

In  accordance  with  the  economic  policy  announced  by  the  President  on  the  occasion 
of  his  inauguration,  the  government  is  devoting  especial  attention  to  the  extension  of 
railways,  the  construction  of  good  roads,  and  to  those  public  improvements  which  tend 
to  encourage  immigration  of  the  most  desirable  character.  The  first  colonies  in  the  State 
were  introduced  during  the  time  of  the  empire,  when,  in  18^6,  Santa  Leopoldina  was 
established  on  the  banks  of  the  Santa  Maria  River,  Transylvania  on  the  Rio  Doce,  and,  later, 
Cachoeiro,  Timbuhy,  and  Santa  Cruz.  All  these  colonies,  as  well  as  others  more  recently 
established,  are  in  a prosperous  condition. 


ESPIRITO  SANTO 


473 


A Board  of  Public  Lands  and  Colonization,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Department  of 
Public  Works  of  the  State,  has  charge  of  all  matters  relating  to  immigration  and  the  appor- 
tionment of  lands  to  national  and  foreign  settlers.  It  is  the  especial  duty  of  this  Board  to 
promote  colonization  through  suitable  propaganda,  and  to  arrange  for  the  reception  of 
immigrants  and  for  their  transportation  to  the  locality  for  which  they  are  bound.  Under 
the  name  of  Hospedaria  Central,  an  immigrant’s  hotel  has  been  established  at  Pedra  d’Agua, 
and  placed  in  charge  of  an  administrador,  or  manager,  and  his  assistants,  a physician,  an 
interpreter,  clerks,  and  guards,  who  attend  to  the  needs  of  the  newcomers,  and  give  them 
information  about  the  country,  etc.;  the  physician  is  required  to  inspect  vessels  carrying 
immigrants  and  to  report  to  the  Board  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  ships  and  their  pas- 
sengers before  disembarkation  is  permitted.  A list  of  the  names  of  all  immigrants  is  made 
on  their  arrival  by  clerks  employed  for  this  purpose,  and  necessary  information  is  secured 
regarding  their  antecedents  and  their  proposed  destination.  The  interpreter  hears  any 
complaints  made  by  the  newcomers  and  reports  to  the  proper  authorities,  and  it  is  his 
duty  to  look  after  the  comfort  of  the  immigrants  and  to  see  that  their  food  and  lodgings 
are  satisfactory. 

By  a decree  issued  on  the  28th  of  August,  1906,  President  Henrique  da  Silva  Cou- 
tinho, — under  whose  administration  the  progress  of  the  State  is  seen  throughout  every 
branch  of  the  public  service, — has  divided  the  territory  into  live  territorial  districts,  appointing 
to  each  a commission,  composed  of  a chief  engineer,  assistant  engineer,  attorney,  and  clerks, 


PICTURESQUE  APPROACH  TO  VICTORIA. 


whose  duty  it  is  to  provide  the  government,  through  the  Department  of  Public  Works,  with 
full  information  regarding  the  public  lands  of  the  State,  their  area,  the  nature  of  the  soil 


474 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


and  climate,  etc.,  in  order  that  the  necessary  preparations  for  colonization  and  public 
improvements  may  be  thereby  facilitated. 

Recognizing  the  importance  of  good  roads  and  increased  railway  transportation,  the 
government  has  spared  no  effort  to  improve  and  extend  the  various  means  of  communica- 
tion within  the  State,  and  rapid 
progress  has  been  made  in  the 
construction  of  new  highways 
and  the  extension  of  inter- 
state lines,  such  as  the  Victoria 
and  Diamantina  railway,  which 
traverses  the  State  from  the 
port  of  Victoria,  the  capital,  to 
the  border  of  Minas  Geraes, 
climbing  the  serra  and  cross- 
ing a fertile  plateau  on  which 
are  located  several  prosperous 
colonies.  When  this  railway  is 
completed  to  the  diamond  city, 
it  will  open  up  direct  com- 
munication with  some  of  the 
richest  mining  towns  of  the  in- 
terior of  Brazil,  and  will  make 
Victoria  the  nearest  seaport  for 
the  traffic  of  a vast  section  of 
northern  Minas,  as  well  as  of  all 
the  central  districts  of  Espirito 
Santo.  The  recent  completion 
of  the  Southern  railway  from  Victoria  to  Cachoeiro  de  Itapemirim  places  the  State  capital  in 
communication  by  rail  with  the  neighboring  State  of  Rio  and  with  the  Federal  capital. 

While  the  work  of  railway  construction  is  being  pushed  with  vigor,  the  question  of 
improving  the  harbor  of  Victoria  is  also  occupying  the  attention  of  the  chief  authorities. 
The  Federal  government  has  undertaken  the  task  of  improving  all  the  harbors  of  Brazil, 
and  the  required  work  in  the  port  of  Victoria  will,  it  is  estimated,  cost  one  million  pounds 
sterling.  The  preliminary  investigation  has  already  been  made.  A bridge  will  connect  the 
State  capital,  which  is  situated  on  an  island,  with  the  mainland  at  a point  near  the  railway 
terminals  of  the  two  lines  previously  named,  and  an  extensive  system  of  docks  and 
warehouses  will  be  built  on  a foundation  of  solid  rock.  Victoria  occupies  an  ideal  loca- 
tion in  one  of  the  most  picturesque  harbors  of  Brazil.  Though  it  has  but  a small  popu- 
lation of  twenty  thousand,  it  is  important  not  only  as  the  capital  of  the  State,  but  as  one  of 
the  chief  coffee  exporting  centres  of  Brazil.  Viewed  from  the  harbor  it  is  a quaint-looking 


ESPIRITO  SANTO 


47  7 

city  stretching  along  the  shore  and  crowding  close  to  the  hills  that  lie  behind  it  and  encircle 
the  island-dotted  bay,  which  is  one  of  nature’s  masterpieces.  Here  and  there  the  white 
walls  and  turrets  of  a historic  old  convent  gleam  among  the  trees  or  stand  out  in  clear  relief 
against  the  green  background,  adding  the  charm  of  tradition  to  that  of  natural  beauty.  In 
the  opinion  of  many,  the  harbor  of  Espirito  Santo  is  unrivalled,  and  though  much  smaller 
than  that  of  Rio,  it  presents  some  picturesque  effects  that  are  not  seen  in  the  famous 
“ Guanabara.”  The  trip  up  the  harbor  from  its  entrance  to  the  port  of  Victoria,  which  is 
guarded  by  the  Santa  Luzia  and  Francez  lighthouses,  is  a succession  of  scenic  surprises, 
enchanting  and  romantic.  Overhanging  cliffs  and  sloping  hillsides,  verdant  islets  and 
sheltered  coves  where  sea  fowl  gather,  unexpected  turnings  and  narrow  passages  between 
vine-covered  banks — the  beauty  of  it  all  is  indescribable.  With  the  greater  commerce  which 
will  inevitably  result  from  the  present  increase  of  railways  and  the  construction  of  new 
docks,  Victoria  will  become  a stopping  place  for  steamers  of  all  lines,  and  tourists  will  find 
here  one  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  in  the  world.  The  authorities  are  putting  forth  every 
effort  to  improve  the  city  and  to  make  it  the  attractive  place  it  ought  to  be,  as  the  capital  of 
a prosperous  State.  New  pavements  have  been  laid  on  the  principal  streets,  the  lighting, 
waterworks  system,  and  drainage  have  been  improved,  and  a street  car  line  connects  the 
business  centre  of  the  city  with  the  suburbs.  Among  the  chief  public  buildings  are  the  presi- 
dent’s palace,  the  House  of  Congress,  several  churches,  a theatre,  and  a hospital. 

Although  Victoria  is  one  of  the  oldest  cities  of  Brazil,  having  been  founded  during  the 
first  half  of  the  sixteenth  century  by  the  grantee  of  the  capitania  of  Espirito  Santo,  Vasco 
Fernandes  Coutinho,  yet  its  progress  and  development  were  continually  interrupted  or 
retarded  during  the  early  years  of  its  history,  first  by  the  Indians,  who  in  this  section  were 
of  a particularly  ferocious  nature,  and  later  by  the  attacks  of  the  Dutch,  though  these 
invaders  were  repeatedly  defeated  and  were  finally  obliged  to  retire.  It  was  not  until  1800, 
under  the  administration  of  the  first  governor  appointed  by  the  crown,  Antonio  Pires  da 
Silva  Ponte  Leme,  that  the  town  and  the  capitania  entered  on  an  era  of  peace  and  progress. 
When  Brazil  became  an  empire,  Victoria  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  a city,  the  capital  of  a 
province;  and  in  1889,  upon  the  proclamation  of  the  republic,  it  was  made  the  capital  of  the 
State  of  Espirito  Santo.  Along  the  route  of  the  Southern  railway  are  several  growing  towns, 
the  most  important  being  Itapemirim,  the  centre  of  a rich  coffee  growing  district.  It  is  built 
on  both  banks  of  the  Itapemirim  River,  an  iron  bridge  connecting  the  two  divisions  of  the 
town.  The  population  of  the  municipal  district,  which  comprises  a number  of  agricultural 
communities  as  well  as  the  town  itself,  is  twenty  thousand.  Cachoeiro  is  the  largest  town 
on  the  line  of  the  Victoria  and  Diamantina  railway,  though  all  the  colonies  along  this  route 
are  growing  in  wealth  and  importance.  The  plateaus  of  the  interior,  stretching  for  hundreds 
of  leagues,  offer  grand  opportunities  for  industrial  development,  and  in  the  near  future  will 
undoubtedly  be  dotted  with  prosperous  farming  communities.  Along  the  coast  the  chief 
towns  are:  Conceigao  da  Barra  and  Sao  Matheus  in  the  north,  and  Guarapary,  Anchieta,  and 
Benevente  in  the  south.  Benevente  is  important  as  the  last  resting-place  of  the  celebrated 


476 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


Jesuit  teacher  Father  Anchieta,  who  died  there  in  1797,  after  a life  of  wonderful  devotion 
and  self-sacrifice  to  the  work  of  civilizing  the  Indians. 

When  Espirito  Santo  became  a State  of  the  Union,  its  constitution, — promulgated  on 
May  2,  1892, — was  framed  on  liberal  principles,  in  accord  with  the  high  purpose  of  the 
national  government.  Among  other  provisions,  it  guarantees  free  primary  instruction,  “the 
State  to  strive  always  for  the  improvement  of  educational  conditions”;  liberty  of  worship, 
so  long  as  morals,  customs,  and  public  order  are  not  offended,  “the  State  recognizing  that 
religion  is  the  basis  of  social  existence;”  non-interference  in  any  way  in  the  propaganda  of 
any  faith,  assuring  liberty  to  all;  freedom  of  the  press  and  of  public  opinion;  while  aptitude, 
probity,  and  a good  reputation  are  held  to  be  the  determining  factors  in  the  choice  of  a 
public  official.  The  freedom  accorded  to  municipalities  under  the  constitution  places  them 
in  a position  to  advance  their  interests  untrammelled  by  repressive  laws.  The  government 
is  in  the  hands  of  executive,  legislative,  and  judicial  authorities,  the  president,  who  holds  the 
chief  executive  power,  being  elected  every  four  years  by  an  absolute  majority  of  votes  and 
direct  suffrage  of  the  State.  Congress  is  composed  of  twenty-five  members  elected  for 
three  years,  and  the  judiciary  consists  of  local  judges  and  a court  of  justice,  the  latter  having 
its  seat  in  the  capital  of  the  State. 


PALHA,  A SUBURB  OF  VICTORIA. 


ft  81 


WBSSaB  a\  •’  3;  * 

1 *-■  I®'  i f 

bhwiw  

Ifer  • • .*i 

V 

INTERIOR  OF  THE  FRANCISCAN  CHURCH,  BAHIA.  WOOD-CARVING  OF  THE 

SEVENTEENTH  CENTURY. 


CHAPTER  XXXV 


OLD  CHURCHES  AND  SHRINES 

OINCE  the  inauguration  of  the  republic, 
^ Church  and  State  have  been  separate  in 
Brazil,  and,  though,  as  in  all  Latin  countries, 
the  prevailing  religion  is  the  Roman  Catholic, 
yet  absolute  freedom  of  worship  is  assured 
to  every  citizen,  and  churches  of  all  denomi- 
nations are  found  in  the  various  cities  and 
towns.  The  power  and  influence  of  the 
Catholic  Church  have  lost  nothing  by  the 
change,  the  more  liberal  conditions  that  exist 
under  the  republic  having  proved  no  obstacle 
to  its  growth  and  development. 

A proof  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  the 
Brazilian  congregation  is  held  by  the  Holy 
See  was  recently  shown  in  the  appointment 
of  a Brazilian  prelate  to  the  sacred  College  of  Cardinals.  The  honor  thus  conferred  marks 
an  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  Church  in  South  America,  as  it  is  the  first  time  that  the  red 
hat  has  been  bestowed  on  one  of  its  ecclesiastics.  His  Eminence  Cardinal  Arcoverde  is  a 
member  of  the  distinguished  Pernambucan  family  of  Albuquerque  Cavalcanti.  He  was 
Archbishop  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  when  appointed  to  the  Sacred  College,  and  his  life  has  been 
consecrated  to  the  service  of  the  Church  since  his  earliest  years.  At  sixteen,  he  entered 
the  Collegio  Pio  Latino-Americano  at  Rome,  in  the  year  1866,  to  prepare  for  the  priesthood, 
and  even  at  that  youthful  age  gave  promise  of  the  remarkable  gifts  which  distinguish  him 
as  a prince  of  the  Church.  Through  the  devoted  efforts  of  the  eminent  prelate  many 
important  reforms  have  been  inaugurated  in  the  Church  in  Brazil,  institutions  of  charity 
have  been  reorganized  and  improved,  and  various  church  societies  have  been  formed  for 
purposes  of  Christian  benevolence,  to  which  His  Eminence  gives  particular  attention.  He 

479 


SHRINE  OF  BOMFIM,  BAHIA. 


480 


THE  NELV  BRAZIL 


has  been  an  honored  personage  in  the  councils  of  the  Vatican  on  several  occasions;  in  1899, 
when  the  Latin- American  Plenary  Council  met  in  Rome,  he  presided,  as  apostolic  delegate, 
over  the  sessions  of  that  venerable  congress. 

Cardinal  Arcoverde  was  consecrated  a prince  of  the  Holy  Roman  Church  on  the  14th  of 
December,  190^,  in  the  public  consistory,  when  he  received  the  cardinal’s  hat;  on  the 
14th  of  January,  1906,  he  was  invested  with  his  title  of  St.  Alexius,  the  ceremony  being 
one  of  great  solemnity.  Even  under  the  empire,  when  the  Roman  Catholic  was  the  estab- 
lished church,  Brazil  was  distinguished  among  all  the  Latin  countries  for  its  independence 
of  church  ruling  in  secular  matters  or  when  such  ruling  did  not  accord  with  the  national 
view  of  religious  affairs.  On  several  occasions,  measures  were  adopted  by  the  State  to 
curtail  ecclesiastical  authority;  during  the  regency,  it  was  once  proposed  to  establish  the 
Brazilian  Church  independent  of  Rome;  and  at  another  time,  the  papal  nuncio  in  Brazil 
was  censured  through  the  press  for  utterances  not  consistent  with  the  dignity  of  his 
office;  and  when  certain  bishops  tried  to  override  the  civil  law  by  issuing  decrees  to 
forbid  the  burial  of  Freemasons,  they  were  arrested,  tried,  and  condemned  to  imprisonment, 
with  hard  labor. 

In  early  colonial  days,  however,  the  Church  was  almost  absolute  in  power;  its  mission- 
aries exerted  a widespread  influence  in  the  new  country.  The  order  of  the  Jesuits,  which 
was  founded  just  about  the  time  of  the  first  colonization  of  Brazil,  sent  out  two  apostles  who 
devoted  their  lives  to  the  cause  of  Christianity  in  this  benighted  land, — Father  Nobrega  and 
Father  Anchieta;  the  story  of  their  labors  fills  many  an  interesting  page  in  Brazilian  history, 
and  may  be  read  in  some  of  the  greatest  institutions  now  flourishing  in  the  name  of  charity, 
as  well  as  in  the  ruins  of  edifices  built  centuries  ago  and  dedicated  to  religious  worship. 
The  church  which  first  served  as  the  episcopal  see  in  Brazil  was  built  by  these  priests,  and 
named  the  “Ajuda,”  in  the  same  year  that  the  first  governor-general,  Thome  de  Souza, 
landed  in  Bahia  and  founded  the  city.  A few  years  later  they  began  the  construction  of  the 
first  Jesuit  college  in  America,  which  was  endowed  by  King  Dorn  Sebastian  in  1^64,  though 
not  completed  until  about  ten  years  later.  When  Pombal  expelled  the  Jesuits  from  Brazil, 
the  college,  by  royal  decree,  was  made  a cathedral,  and  this  prerogative  was  never  with- 
drawn. The  old  edifice  is  one  of  the  interesting  sights  of  Bahia. 

In  this  city  also  is  the  chapel  of  Gra<;a;  it  was  erected  by  Catherine  Alvares  Paraguassu, 
who  made  it  over  by  deed  of  gift  to  the  Benedictines  in  1^82;  it  was  converted  into  a 
monastery,  and  rebuilt,  nearly  two  centuries  later,  by  Abbot  Peixoto.  An  interesting  story 
is  related  regarding  the  building  of  this  chapel.  It  is  said  that  upon  the  return  of  her 
husband,  Caramuru,  from  a shipwrecked  vessel  where  he  had  been  rendering  aid  to  the 
unfortunate,  Paraguassu  entreated  him  to  go  back  and  save  a woman  whom  she  had  seen 
in  a vision  and  who  was  at  that  moment  among  the  Indians,  praying  that  she  would  send 
for  her  and  build  her  a place  of  shelter.  Caramuru  obediently  set  out  in  quest  of  the 
woman,  but  failing  to  find  her  after  a third  search,  he  was  returning,  quite  discouraged, 
when  his  glance  suddenly  rested  upon  an  image  of  the  Virgin  that  an  Indian  had  found  on 


OLD  CHURCHES  AND  SHRINES 


48 1 


the  shore  and  had  thrown  into  a corner  of  his  hut;  this  image  Caramuru  took  home. 
Paraguassu  was  satisfied  with  this  fulfilment  of  her  vision,  and  ordered  the  chapel  to  be 
built  and  the  image  to  be  placed  therein, 
where  it  was  greatly  venerated  as  “Our  Lady 
of  Graga.”  Paraguassu  lies  buried  in  this 
chapel,  and  the  following  epitaph  still  marks 
her  last  resting-place : 

“Tomb  of  Dona  Catharina  Alvares  Para- 
guassu, Lady  that  was  of  the  Capitania  of 
Bahia,  which  she  and  her  husband  Diogo 
Alvares  Correa  gave  to  the  King  of  Portugal, 
having  built  this  chapel  of  Nossa  Senhora 
da  Graga,  which  she  gave,  with  the  ground 
annexed,  to  the  Patriarch  Sao  Bento,  in  the 
year  11382.” 

The  ancient  abbey  of  Montserrat,  which 
is  still  one  of  the  picturesque  features  of  the 
neckland  of  Itapagipe,  Bahia,  was  built  early 
in  the  seventeenth  century,  though  by  whom 
is  a mystery.  Its  origin  is  attributed  by  some 
authorities  to  a Spaniard,  but  this  is  also  said 
to  apply  to  another  abbey  of  Montserrat,  in 
the  town  of  Santos.  One  of  the  most  im- 
portant of  these  early  churches,  from  the 
magnificence  of  its  present  appearance,  its 
wonderfully  ornamented  interior,  and  the 
costliness  of  its  gilded  carvings  is  the  Franciscan  monastery  of  Bahia.  It  was  built  by 
Franciscan  friars,  the  first  of  the  Order  having  come  from  Portugal  in  13813,  in  response 
to  an  invitation  from  the  donatori'o  of  Pernambuco,  and,  after  founding  the  convent  of 
Our  Lady  of  Olinda,  they  removed  to  Bahia.  The  foundation  stone  of  the  present  mon- 
astery was  laid  in  1686,  and  the  building  of  the  church  in  connection  with  it  was 
begun  in  1708  and  finished  in  1714.  All  the  ornaments  of  the  church  were  finished 
in  1723.  The  cloister  is  built  with  thirty-six  arches,  every  pillar  being  made  of  a single 
stone.  Around  the  walls  are  ornamental  tiles  representing  scenes  in  ancient  sacred  and 
profane  history.  The  wonderful  carving  in  the  interior  of  the  church  is  the  work  of  a 
Franciscan  monk. 

The  church  has  seven  elaborately  carved  and  gilded  altars,  on  which,  in  accordance 
with  the  obligations  of  the  Order,  seven  thousand  three  hundred  and  fifty-eight  Masses 
were  said  every  year  until  1 75"4-  About  fifty  Franciscans  lived  in  the  monastery  up  to 
the  year  1836,  when  the  emperor  prohibited  the  admission  of  novices,  and  the  Order 


482 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


declined  until,  in  1892,  it  was  recruited  by  the  arrival  of  several  monks.  At  present,  its 
occupants  number  thirty-five,  among  others  the  scholarly  and  courteous  Friar  Bahlmann, 
from  whom  the  description  of  the  monastery  was  obtained.  The  most  remarkable  feature 
of  the  building  is  the  dado  of  Dutch  tiles  that  surrounds  the  cloister,  and  which  may  be  seen 
from  the  patio.  Fabulous  sums  have  been  offered  by  curio  hunters  for  these  tiles,  which 
are  of  Delft  porcelain,  each  tile  having  been  painted  and  finished  separately,  but  so  carefully 
that  the  general  design  was  perfect  when  the  tiles  were  placed  in  position.  The  tiles  sur- 
rounding the  lower  walls  represent  a succession  of  scenes  from  the  works  of  Homer  and 
other  ancient  writers,  while  those  of  the  upper  gallery  represent  Biblical  scenes.  It  is 
probably  the  only  work  of  the  kind  in  existence  in  America. 

A shrine  of  great  antiquity  and  interest  is  that  of  Bomfim,  in  the  suburb  of  Itapagipe, 
Bahia,  erected  in  1 7^4,  and  one  of  the  most  popular  shrines  in  Brazil  to-day.  In  it  are 
preserved  many  curious  relics  and  symbols,  such  as  are  found  in  similar  churches  in 
Europe.  Although  Bahia  was  the  great  centre  of  religious  worship  in  earlier  days,  and  is 
still  the  stronghold  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Brazil,  the  erection  of  places  of  worship  began 
simultaneously  with  the  discovery  of  the  country,  in  every  territory  of  the  dominion.  In 
Rio  de  Janeiro  many  old  churches  still  exist  that  were  built  in  the  seventeenth  and  eight- 
eenth centuries,  as  those  of  Sao  Sebastiao,  Sao  Bento,  and  the  Candelaria.  In  Pernambuco, 
Sao  Paulo,  Ceara,  and  Maranhao  there  are  to  be  found  several  chapels  that  date  from  the 
eighteenth  century.  In  every  State  of  the  Union  church  fiestas  are  celebrated,  which  are 
the  survival  of  those  earlier  days,  and  preserve,  in  a wonderful  degree,  the  traditions  and 
history  of  their  inauguration.  The  fiestas  celebrated  at  Bomfim  are  renowned  for  their 
magnificence  and  for  the  thousands  of  participants  who  assemble  on  these  occasions,  when 
the  devoutly  religious  practise  the  greatest  humility,  entering  the  sacred  chapel  on  their 
knees  and  performing  numerous  rites  that  prove  their  desire  to  be  rid  of  the  sins  of  the 

flesh.  A very  picturesque  fiesta  is  celebrated 
in  Bahia  by  the  donkey-drivers  and  water- 
carriers,  who  form  a procession,  sometimes  a 
mile  long,  on  their  way  to  the  church,  the 
chief  feature  being  the  donkeys,  which  are 
gorgeously  decorated  with  flowers  and  foliage. 

The  most  elaborate  religious  fiesta  cele- 
brated at  the  present  day  in  Brazil  is  that  of 
“ Nossa  Senhora  de  Nazareth,”  in  the  city 
of  Para.  It  occurs  in  the  month  of  October, 
and  attracts  thousands  of  visitors  to  the  city, 
and  lasts  about  two  weeks,  during  which  the 
place  is  given  up  to  religious  and  social  enter- 
tainments. The  origin  of  this  shrine  and  its  attendant  observances  is  similar  to  the  history 
of  other  celebrated  shrines  throughout  the  world.  It  is  described  by  various  writers,  and 


CHAPEL  OF  NOSSA  SENHORA  DA  GRA^A,  BAHIA, 
BUILT  BY  PARAGUASSU. 


OLD  CHURCHES  AND  SHRINES 


483 


related  by  the  people  of  that  region,  without  important  deviations  in  the'  main  points  of  the 
tradition.  One  day,  about 
noon,  two  hunters,  fatigued 
by  their  chase  through  the 
forests  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Para,  sought  rest  under 
the  shade  of  a tree.  They 
were  discontented  and  dis- 
gusted not  to  have  found 
so  much  as  a toucan  in  the 
woods  where  game  of  all 
kinds  abounded.  Their  dogs, 
tired  out  like  themselves, 
were  stretched  out  under  the 
same  tree.  In  a few  minutes 
they  were  asleep,  overcome 
by  exhaustion.  During  his 
sleep,  one  of  the  hunters 
was  visited  in  his  dreams  by 
a woman  who  spoke  to  him 
and  told  him  to  search  a 
thicket  close  by,  where  he 
would  find  an  image  of  the 
Virgin  of  Nazareth.  On  wak- 
ing, he  went  at  once  to  the 
mysterious  place,  and  while 
he  searched  the  thicket,  his 
dogs,  plunging  into  the  midst 
of  a cluster  of  palms,  began 
to  bark  excitedly.  He  ran  to 
them,  and  to  his  great  sur- 
prise discovered  near  the 
trunk  of  the  oldest  palm  a 
beautiful  statue.  Happier 
than  if  they  had  killed  a 
thousand  deer,  the  hunters 
took  their  way  back  to  the 
town,  carrying  with  them  the 
glorious  image,  which  they 

hastened  to  present  to  the  church  of  the  CANDELARIA,  rio  de  JANEIRO. 


484 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


governor,  who  placed  it  in  the  chapel  of  his  palace.  The  news  of  this  discovery  spread 
throughout  the  town.  The  faithful  prayed  the  governor  to  expose  to  the  veneration  of  the 
people  this  sacred  image  of  Our  Lady,  the  patron  of  the  town,  and  it  was  decided  that  the  next 
day  the  doors  of  the  chapel  should  be  opened  to  the  public.  But,  alas  1 the  next  day,  when 
they  opened  the  chapel,  the  image  had  disappeared.  The  poor  hunters  who  had  started  the 
news  were  grieved  because  they  feared  they  would  be  taken  for  liars.  They  went  again  to 
the  thicket,  and  were  overjoyed  to  find  the  statue  in  the  same  spot  where  they  had  first  seen 
it.  The  governor  and  the  people  also  went  to  the  thicket,  and  the  image  was  taken  back  to 
the  palace  with  great  pomp.  The  next  day  it  had  disappeared  again,  and  again  they  found 
it  in  the  same  place  and  carried  it  back  to  the  town.  Three  or  four  times  the  same  miracle 
took  place.  Then  the  bishop,  with  the  consent  of  the  governor,  decided  that  they  should 
erect  a little  chapel  on  the  spot  where  they  had  found  the  statue  and  place  it  therein.  The 
chapel  was  built,  and  the  altar  marked  the  location  of  the  mysterious  bush.  The  faithful 
gathered  from  all  parts.  Miracles  were  so  numerous  that  soon  the  little  chapel  was  replaced 
by  a large  church,  with  a covered  vestibule  for  pilgrims.  Every  year  afterward,  great  popular 
pilgrimages  celebrated  the  fiesta  of  the  Virgin  of  Nazareth.  The  pilgrimage  is  still  continued 
to  this  day,  though  the  forest  has  been  transformed  into  broad  avenues  and  the  shrine  is 
situated  in  a fashionable  quarter  of  a large  city  which  has  grown  up  around  it.  Each  year, 
in  remembrance  of  the  ancient  miracle,  the  holy  image  is  carried  from  the  chapel  of  the 
president’s  palace  to  the  church  of  Nazareth.  Everyone  takes  part  in  this  procession;  some, 
it  is  true,  out  of  curiosity  or  to  enjoy  the  spectacle,  but  many  out  of  religious  fervor,  desirous 
of  offering  public  proofs  of  their  gratitude  to  the  holy  Virgin,  to  whose  intercession  they 
attribute  miraculous  cures,  or  a rescue  from  death,  or  whose  answers  to  their  prayers  for 
loved  ones  in  danger  have  wrought  miracles  in  their  behalf.  First  in  the  procession  is  a car, 
representing  a fortress,  from  which  fireworks  and  rockets  are  exploded  with  great  eclat. 
Then  follows  a cavalcade,  and  next  in  line  a series  of  floats,  which  represent  miracles 
performed  by  Our  Lady  of  Nazareth,  and  these  in  turn  are  followed  by  horsemen 
bearing  bright  oriflammes  with  the  dates  of  miracles  and  the  names  under  which  these 
miracles  are  known.  Carriages,  filled  with  members  of  the  best  families  in  the  city,  are  a 
conspicuous  feature  of  the  procession,  the  last  of  these  being  the  coach  of  the  governor, 
accompanied  by  his  secretary  and  his  aide-de-camp,  who  are  followed  by  the  bishop.  The 
procession  closes  with  a fairy-like  coach,  shaped  something  like  a royal  crown,  all  purple 
and  gold,  in  the  centre  of  which  stands  the  venerated  image  of  the  Holy  Virgin.  The  coach 
is  guarded  on  both  sides  by  the  directors  of  the  fiesta,  and  the  populace,  taking  hold  of  the 
long  ribbons  of  red  silk  attached  to  the  vehicle,  draw  it  along  with  great  respect  and  venera- 
tion, esteeming  it  a great  honor  to  have  this  privilege.  Many  interesting  instances  of  devotion 
are  presented  at  these  processions.  Sometimes  delicately  nurtured  women  will  follow  in  the 
long  line  of  worshippers,  having  their  feet  bare  and  wearing  a gown  of  sackcloth  or  other 
coarse  material.  Some  enthusiasts  have  been  known  to  crawl  on  their  knees  the  whole 
distance  from  the  palace  to  the  chapel,  about  a mile.  The  city  garrison,  artillery  and  infantry, 


OLD  CHURCHES  AND  SHRINES 


489 

end  the  procession  proper,  though  an  interminable  throng  follows,  crowding  and  pushing, 
to  get  a sight  of  the  image,  or  to  receive  the  bishop’s  blessing  as  his  coach  stops  now  and 
then  in  the  course  of  the  march. 

Each  of  these  followers  carries 
an  offering  for  the  altar  em- 
blematic of  the  nature  of  the 
particular  cure  for  which  there 
is  special  reason  to  be  grateful 
to  the  blessed  Virgin.  It  may  be 
a wax  arm,  showing  in  ghastly 
red  where  a mortal  wound  had 
been  made,  and  signifying  that 
the  bearer  had  been  miraculously 
saved  from  the  fatal  effects  of  a 
terrible  injury  to  the  arm.  Wax 
heads,  spotted  in  red  to  indicate 
eruptions,  or  little  wax  figures 
covered  with  an  imitation  of  church  of  nossa  senhora  de  nazareth.  para'. 

small-pox  marks,  typify  the 

particular  form  of  disease  overcome  through  the  intercession  of  Our  Lady  of  Nazareth.  So 
dense  is  the  throng  during  this  procession,  and  so  frequent  are  the  delays,  that  it  often 
requires  three  or  four  hours  for  it  to  pass  a certain  point.  The  best  view  is  always  to  be 
had  on  the  Avenida  da  Republica,  where  the  crowd  is  thickest,  the  street  broadest,  and  the 
delay  most  prolonged.  During  the  remaining  days  of  the  fiesta,  there  are  daily  amusements 
of  all  sorts,  the  fund  collected  going  into  the  treasury  of  the  church  for  charitable  purposes. 

At  Cuyaba,  in  the  province  of  Matto  Grosso,  the  fiestas  of  Pentecost  are  sumptuously 
observed.  The  director  of  the  fiesta  is  chosen  by  lot.  On  the  eve  of  the  day  to  be 
celebrated,  he  sallies  forth  accompanied  by  a band  of  music  and  some  friends,  and  carrying 
the  insignia  of  his  office, — a silver  crown,  sceptre,  and  banner.  He  goes  to  solicit  offerings, 
which  usually  amount  to  about  a thousand  dollars,  sometimes  more.  The  day  of  the 
ceremony,  this  leader,  who  takes  the  title  of  Emperor,  proceeds  to  the  church  in  the  centre 
of  a square  made  by  four  planks  of  wood,  the  ends  of  which  are  carried  on  the  shoulders  of 
the  most  distinguished  personages  of  the  town ; on  a silver  plate  the  sceptre  and  crown  are 
borne,  the  banner  preceding  the  procession.  In  the  evening,  there  is  a grand  illumination, 
including  fireworks,  extending  all  along  the  route  from  the  door  of  the  church  to  that  of  the 
“ Emperor,”  where  a rich  altar  is  raised.  After  the  religious  ceremony,  there  is  a free  distribu- 
tion of  food  and  drink  for  the  poor,  and  even  small  cakes  for  everybody.  The  authorities 
receive  special  gifts,  consisting  of  immense  cakes  ornamented  with  flowers  and  ribbons. 
Then  there  are  bull  fights,  balls,  plays, — everything  at  the  expense  of  the  “ Emperor,”  who 
sometimes  pays  as  much  as  two  thousand  dollars  or  more  for  the  entertainment.  At 


486 


THE  NEIV  BRAZIL 


Cuyaba,  it  is  said,  the  episcopal  church  possesses  a miraculous  image  of  the  “Senhor  Bom 
Jesus.”  It  was  found  on  the  island  of  Manoel-Homem,  on  the  Rio  Grande,  two  hundred 
and  twenty-five  leagues  from  the  capital  where  it  is  worshipped  to-day.  The  island  takes 
its  name  from  a noted  criminal,  Manoel  Homem,  who  took  refuge  there.  He  found  there 
the  sacred  image,  and  guarded  it  with  devotion.  After  several  efforts  to  remove  it,  it  finally 
reached  its  present  place  of  honor  in  the  cathedral. 

The  chapel  of  “Senhor  dos  Passos,”  in  Florianopolis,  Santa  Catharina,  has  an  interesting 
history,  and  its  fiestas  are  attended  with  great  religious  demonstrations.  It  was  built  in  1767 
by  Donna  Joanna  de  Gusmao,  a sister  of  the  renowned  aeronaut,  in  accordance  with  a vow 
made  while  on  a pilgrimage  to  the  shrine  of  Our  Lady  of  Neves,  on  the  shores  of  the 
Iguape  River,  where  she  was  miraculously  cured  of  a dreadful  illness.  Donna  Joanna  made 
a pilgrimage  on  foot,  and  unattended,  throughout  the  whole  of  southern  Brazil,  seeking  alms 
with  which  to  build  this  chapel  and  to  institute  the  Sisterhood  of  the  Passos,  until,  at  the 
age  of  eighty,  her  pilgrimage  having  succeeded  in  its  purpose,  she  became  the  directress  of 
the  institution,  where  she  died  in  1780. 

But  although  the  observance  of  traditional  religious  customs  remains  to  a certain  extent, 
there  is  a growing  and  widespread  freedom  of  sentiment.  At  present,  the  attitude  of  the 
government  and  the  people  is  one  of  the  greatest  tolerance,  even  encouragement,  to  all  reli- 
gious institutions,  regardless  of  creed.  Handsome  churches  of  all  denominations  have  been 
erected  in  the  larger  cities,  and  there  is  scarcely  a village  without  schools  and  hospitals 
under  the  charge  of  more  than  one  denomination.  In  southern  Brazil  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  has  more  than  five  hundred  communicants,  and  is  growing  in  strength 
and  influence  through  the  zealous  labors  of  its  honored  bishop,  Right  Reverend  Lucien  Lee 
Kinsolving,  S.T.  D.,  who  was  chosen  for  this  position  by  the  American  House  of  Bishops 
and  consecrated  in  Saint  Bartholomew’s  Church,  New  York,  January  6,  1899.  The  Presby- 
terian Church  is  well  represented  in  the  principal  cities,  and  the  Methodists  have  many 
churches  and  schools. 


RUINS  OF  CARMELITE  CONVENT  IN  OLINDA,  PERNAMBUCO. 


L’ENVOI 

\A7'HOEVER  has  visited  Brazil  and 
* Y learned  to  appreciate  its  many 
attractions,  the  glories  of  its  scenery  and 
the  charm  of  its  kind  and  gracious  people, 
can  understand  very  well  the  feeling  of 
regret  with  which  one  bids  adieu,  whether 
from  the  deck  of  an  outgoing  steamer,  or, 
in  imagination,  upon  laying  aside,  at  the 
last  chapter,  the  pen  which  has  been 
agreeably  occupied  in  recording  pleasant 
recollections. 

There  is  a word  which  Brazilians 
love,  for  the  associations  it  recalls,  the 
deep  meaning  it  expresses,  and  the  fact 
that  it  has  no  equivalent  in  any  other 
tongue:  saudade.  It  embodies  all  the 
words  in  the  English  language  that  con- 
vey the  idea  of  homesickness,  loving 
remembrance  of  absent  ones,  fond  recol- 
lections of  past  experiences,  regrets  at 
parting,  love,  friendship,  sympathy, — it 
reaches  the  gamut  of  a thousand  tender 
sentiments  of  regard  and  devotion, — it  is 
the  only  word  in  any  language  which  gives  to  speech  the  unabridged  vocabulary  of  the 
heart.  And  this  word  rises  involuntarily  to  the  lips  as  the  gaze  of  the  departing  traveller 
rests  for  the  last  time  on  those  beautiful  shores,  and  the  farewell  hand  clasp  is  given 
to  those  gentle  people  whose  hospitality,  like  their  country,  is  an  expression  of  all  that  is 
beautiful,  genial,  and  abundant. 


A POND  OF  VICTORIA  REGIA  LILIES. 


487 


488 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


What  land  compares  with  Brazil  in  beauty  and  natural  wealth  ? From  the  Guianas  to 
La  Plata  and  from  the  Andes  to  the  sea,  Nature  here  revels  in  the  joy  of  perfect  abandon. 
Her  beauty  is  bewitchingly  revealed  in  the  graceful  curves  of  sunlit  hills,  her  smile  allures 
in  the  favoring  mirror  of  matchless  rivers,  her  brow  is  decked  with  the  rich  and  variegated 
garland  of  prismatic  forests,  on  her  breast  glows  the  iridescent  lustre  of  countless  birds 
and  butterflies  of  uncommon  beauty.  She  is  a reigning  queen  in  this  summer  land,  and 
her  court  is  perennially  gay  and  brilliant.  Her  manifold  attractions  present  unlimited 
aspects,  varying  in  every  possible  degree  from  the  equatorial  luxuriance  of  the  Amazon 
plain  to  the  rugged  severity  of  the  southern  serras.  Preeminent  in  picturesque  grandeur, 
the  island-gemmed  and  summit-crowned  bay  of  Rio  appeals  to  the  worshipper  of 
Nature  with  an  irresistible  fascination.  Surpassing  Naples  and  rivalling  the  claims 
of  Sydney,  it  ranks  among  the  most  famous  harbors.  The  painter’s  inspiration  and  the 
poet’s  ecstasy  have  found  in  its  enchanting  beauty  a subject  worthy  of  the  best  labor  of 
the  most  exalted  genius. 

When  the  brief  twilight  of  the  tropics  softens  the  effect  of  the  general  outlines  of 
the  bay,  and  a “dim  religious  light”  hallows  it,  giving  a cathedral-like  aspect  to  the  picture, 
its  sublimity  is  most  impressive.  In  solemn  stateliness  the  gigantic  Pao  de  Assucar  guards 
the  vestibule  of  this  sanctuary  of  the  gods;  the  surrounding  hills  support  on  their  lofty 
peaks  its  celestial  dome;  under  the  shadow  of  their  mighty  columns,  the  great  city,  with 
its  myriad  tapers,  lights  up  a magnificent  altar;  far  back  in  the  darker  recesses  the  huge 
organ-pipes  of  the  Serra  dos  Orgaos  suggest  the  sublime  harmonies  that  Pythagoras 
might  have  fancied  in  “the  music  of  the  spheres”;  above  all,  pointing  heavenward,  as  if 
to  indicate  the  Infinite  Source  of  so  noble  a creation,  the  Dedo  de  Deus  [Finger  of  God] 
seems  to  call  upon  all  the  world  to  bow  in  reverence  before  the  majesty  and  power  of 
the  Divine  Author. 

Upon  the  first  approach  to  the  harbor  of  Rio,  the  attention  is  attracted  to  “the 
sleeping  giant,”  a colossal  figure  outlined  by  the  mountain  summits  against  the  sky, 
and  recalling  in  its  clear-cut  profile  the  lineaments  of  the  great  father  of  American 
liberty.  It  is  formed  partly  by  the  suburban  hills  of  Rio  and  partly  by  the  peaks  of  the 
Serra  dos  Orgaos,  in  the  midst  of  which  lies  the  charming  city  of  Theresopolis.  The 
city  is  reached  through  a great  gap  in  the  range,  from  which  a panorama  presents  itself 
that  in  picturesque  variety  beggars  description.  The  traveller  who  has  enjoyed  the  scene 
can  never  forget  the  thrill  of  emotion  excited  by  a first  glimpse  of  the  Brazilian  Trosachs 
from  this  “airy  point,”  when,  stretched  out  below,  the  splendid  harbor 

“ In  all  her  length  far-winding  lay 
With  promontory,  creek,  and  bay, 

And  islands  that  empurpled  bright 
Floated  amid  the  livelier  light. 

And  mountains  that  like  giants  stand 
To  sentinel  enchanted  land.” 


L' ENVOI 


489 


Nearer,  the  wild,  rugged  beauty  of  lichen-covered  rocks  and  leaping  cascades,  huge  granite 
masses  of  fantastic  shape  hanging  over  narrow  cliffs,  and  fossil  debris  blocking  fathomless 
abysses,  further  recalls  Scott’s  famous  description  of  the  Trosachs,  with 

“ Crags,  knolls,  and  mounds  confusedly  hurled, 

The  fragments  of  an  earlier  world.” 

In  some  respects  more  interesting  than  the  road  to  Theresopolis  is  the  picturesque 
ascent  of  the  Serra  da  Estrella,  in  the  valley  of  which,  at  a height  of  three  thousand  feet,  is 
situated  the  beautiful  city  of  Petropolis,  so  often  called  the  Versailles  of  the  Brazilian  capital, 
and  especially  noted  as  the  summer  home  of  the  foreign  diplomatic  corps  in  Brazil.  It  has 
been  the  chosen  place  of  residence  of  many  distinguished  foreigners  who  have  visited 
Brazil,  and  few  cities  in  any  country  have  more  claims  to  agreeable  remembrance.  Although 


AFTER  THE  HUNT. 


the  recent  transformation  of  Rio  promises  the  permanent  removal  of  the  foreign  legations 
to  the  Federal  capital,  yet  the  charm  of  its  past  glory  will  long  remain  to  give  this  mountain 
city  a unique  individuality.  It  was  here  that  some  of  the  most  elaborate  social  functions 
were  held  during  the  empire,  when  the  court  spent  several  months  of  the  year  in  its  summer 
palaces,  set  like  jewels  among  the  hills;  and  here  from  the  inauguration  of  the  republic 
society  has  shone  in  its  most  radiant  form  and  finest  attire  at  various  entertainments  of 
leading  statesmen  and  diplomats.  Those  who  were  privileged  to  enjoy  the  diplomatic 
courtesies  of  a few  years  ago  can  never  forget  the  charming  hospitality  dispensed  by 
Colonel  Charles  Page  Bryan,  now  American  minister  to  Portugal,  when,  as  chief  of  the 
American  legation  in  Petropolis,  he  was  one  of  the  most  widely  known  and  best  beloved  of 
all  the  foreigners  in  Brazil,  and  did  much  toward  awakening  in  the  people  of  the  United 
States  a better  understanding  of  Brazilian  life  and  progress.  It  was  his  frequent  prediction 
that  the  twentieth  century  would  see  the  aggrandizement  of  Brazil  to  rank  among  the  greatest 
nations  of  modern  times,  and  events  point  to  the  speedy  realization  of  his  confident  belief. 


490 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


But  even  the  bay  of  Rio,  with  its  capital  and  the  beautiful  environs  that  make  it  an 
ideal  social  resort,  does  not  represent  all  that  there  is  of  natural  wonder  and  enchantment 
in  Brazilian  scenery;  nor  do  the  social  customs  and  prevailing  ideas  of  one  locality  reflect 
the  life  of  the  entire  nation.  There  is  variety  in  every  feature,  no  less  in  the  character  of 
the  people  than  in  the  appearance  of  the  scenery,  according  to  the  influences  which  govern 
them.  The  serras  and  cataracts  of  the  central  and  southern  region  awaken  the  enthusiastic 
admiration  of  every  visitor  to  Brazil;  but  they  are  not  more  picturesque  and  wonderful  than 
the  great  waterfall  of  the  Sao  Francisco  River,  the  magnificent  harbor  of  Bahia,  and  the 
approach  to  Recife,  with  its  natural  breakwater,  against  which  the  great  waves  dash 
incessantly,  and  break  in  clouds  of  fleecy  foam.  In  striking  contrast  to  the  barred  entrance 
to  Pernambuco  is  the  broad  open  bay,  or  estuary,  of  Para,  the  memory  of  which  imme- 
diately recalls  the  curious  sailing  craft  that  dot  the  harbor,  and  are  known  as  “ vampiros ” 
from  the  shape  and  size  of  their  sails,  red,  blue,  yellow,  green,  or  brown,  according  to 
the  owner’s  fancy.  Recollection  easily  brings  to  view  also  the  Amazon  region  and  its 
varying  scenes;  the  ponds  in  which  grow  the  wonderful  Victoria  Regia  lilies;  the  forests 
aglow  with  bright-plumaged  araras,  parrots,  and  the  great  toucan,  which  has  a beak  half 
a foot  long  and  two  inches  wide,  and  which  chews  the  cud  as  complacently  as  any  of  the 
bovine  species. 

Hunting  is  one  of  the  favorite  sports  in  Brazil,  and  the  chase  offers  many  remarkable 
features  to  the  foreign  hunter.  Duck  shooting  is  plentiful  in  the  southern  States;  along 
the  Rio  Doce,  tapir-hunting  is  rare  sport;  and  everywhere  angling  attracts  its  votaries. 

Social  life  in  the  various  latitudes  that  are  comprised  in  this  vast  country  is  marked  by 
certain  characteristics  which  are  as  indicative  of  the  climate  and  locality  as  are  the  different 
features  of  the  landscape.  The  effect  of  a mingling  of  nationalities  is  seen  in  every  State  of 
the  Union,  although,  until  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  Portugal  permitted  no 
foreign  immigration  into  Brazil,  sending  every  year  large  colonies  from  her  own  territory  to 
establish  themselves  in  the  new  province  and  increase  the  power  and  influence  of  the 
mother  country.  But  as  soon  as  the  foreigners  gained  a foothold,  their  presence  was  felt  in 
the  national  life  and  progress,  and  consequently  in  the  national  temper.  The  Germans  have 
given  to  the  extreme  south  of  Brazil  certain  manners  and  customs  that  distinguish  it  from 
other  sections;  where  Italian  colonization  has  predominated,  the  characteristics  of  that 
nationality  have  gradually  influenced  the  existing  civilization;  French  modes  and  fashions 
have  been  engrafted  on  the  social  life  of  Brazil  wherever  the  relations  between  these  two 
countries  have  been  most  noticeable,  particularly  in  Rio  de  Janeiro;  though,  everywhere 
the  salient  characteristics  of  the  Brazilian  character,  intuition,  and  imagination  are  inherited 
from  the  three  predominating  sources  of  the  population;  the  Portuguese,  the  Indian,  and 
the  African. 

Among  the  Brazilians,  the  emotional  qualities  which  belong  essentially  to  the  poetic 
children  of  southern  climes  are  associated  with  the  more  intellectual  traits  that  find 
expression  in  ready  wit,  delicate  perception,  and  imaginative  power.  The  Brazilians  are 


L' ENVOI 


491 


pleasing  conversationalists,  and  understand  well  the  art  of  entertaining.  They  are,  as  a 
rule,  very  conservative  and  exclusive;  but  within  the  domestic  circle,  the  hospitality  is 
charming  and  the  association  most  agreeable.  The  home  life  of  Brazil  is  beautiful  in 


A CONTENTED  SON  OF  THE  FOREST. 


its  unity  and  harmony.  Divorces  are  unknown,  and  there  are  very  few  bachelors 
in  the  land,  facts  which  argue  great  confidence  in  the  home-making  abilities  of  Brazilian 
girls  and  pay  a graceful  compliment  to  their  womanly  qualities.  An  educated  and 
well-bred  Brazilian  woman  of  the  best  society  speaks  three  or  four  languages,  and  it  is 
not  unusual  to  find  her  familiar  with  half  a dozen ; as  a rule,  she  has  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  foreign  travel,  and  is  a graduate  of  an  excellent  school  in  Paris  or  Lisbon. 
Music  is  a social  accomplishment  that  always  forms  an  important  feature  in  a young 
Brazilian  girl’s  education. 

Family  connections  are  held  in  high  esteem  in  Brazil,  and  birthday  reunions  are  impor- 
tant functions;  the  “birthday  book”  is  one  of  the  most  valued  possessions  of  a Brazilian 
household,  and  in  it  is  kept  a faithful  record  of  the  birthday  anniversaries  of  all  relatives, 
friends,  and  acquaintances.  It  is  unpardonable,  in  Brazil,  to  forget  the  anniversary  of 
a friend’s  birthday,  or  neglect  to  extend  congratulations  and  felicitations  upon  so  happy  an 
occasion.  Usually  a “card  ” appears  in  the  newspaper,  expressing  the  good  wishes  of  some 
friend  in  the  most  complimentary  language,  or  a poem  written  by  an  enthusiastic  admirer 
who  takes  this  opportunity  to  declare  his  devotion,  and  dedicates  the  effusion  to  the  queen 
of  his  heart  in  honor  of  her  natal  day. 

Brazilian  children  are  not  like  the  emancipated  nestlings  that  hold  the  reins  in  the 
average  North  American  household;  they  are  gentle,  reserved,  obedient  little  folk,  with  a 
reverence  for  the  older  relatives  that  is  most  attractive,  especially  as  expressed  in  the 


492 


THE  HEW  BRAZIL 


prevailing  custom  by  which  the  children  of  each  generation  kiss  the  hand  of  the  older  in 
salutation;  no  matter  what  the  age  or  position,  this  courtesy  is  observed,  the  father  of  a 
grown-up  family  bending  over  his  mother’s  hand  in  the  same  respectful  attitude  that 
marks  his  own  children’s  greetings.  The  most  thoughtless  of  play-loving  romps  will 
not  fail  in  the  observance  of  this  rule;  and  if  an  aunt  or  other  relative  appear  on  the 
scene  in  the  midst  of  their  games,  the  children  stop  playing,  and  run  to  pay  their 
devoirs  in  this  way.  When  grown  people  meet  each  other,  their  greeting  is  an  embrace, 
whether  in  the  house  or  on  the  street;  and  in  the  rush  of  business  affairs,  the  sight  of 
men  hugging  one  another  in  cordial  good-will  is  a continual  reminder  of  the  brotherhood 
of  humanity,  and  must  surely  help  to  keep  the  heart  warm  in  its  sympathies  and  tender  in 
its  attachments. 

The  foreigner  in  Brazil  observes  many  customs  that  are  different  from  anything  seen 
at  home.  Sometimes  he  counts  them  as  defects,  criticising  only  from  one  point  of  view, 
and  failing  to  recognize  that  the  differences  due  to  national  characteristics  are  not  neces- 
sarily faults,  either  in  the  Latin  or  the  Anglo-Saxon.  But  if  his  purpose  be  to  learn 
something  of  the  land  and  its  people,  he  will  find  much  that  is  both  interesting  and 
attractive,  and  will  carry  away  souvenirs  that  cannot  fail  to  call  to  mind  long  afterward 


A GOOD  DAY’S  SPORT,  TAPIR  HUNTING  IN  THE  RIO  DOCE  COUNTRY 


many  agreeable  reminiscences.  It  is  very  pleasant  to  recall  the  delightful  everyday  life 
of  a Brazilian  home. 

The  day  begins  with  the  cup  of  coffee,  and  the  beverage  is  to  be  had  at  any  hour 
of  the  twenty-four.  Coffee  is  served  every  day  in  the  Chambers,  when  Congress  is 


L' ENVOI 


493 


in  session ; it  is  offered  as  a mark  of  courtesy  to  distinguished  guests,  when  received  by 
State  officials  or  church  dignitaries;  in  private  houses  it  is  never  omitted,  whether  the  occa- 
sion be  an  informal  call  or  an  important  social  function ; from  the  President’s  palace  to  the 
humblest  home  in  the  land,  the  universal  custom  is  to  offer  a demi-tasse  of  cafe  noir.  In 
the  offices  of  professional  men,  it  is  not  unusual  to  have  coffee  served  to  clients,  especially 
during  a long  and  important  interview.  Members  of  the  different  professions  in  Brazil  are 
distinguished  by  a jewelled  ring  worn  on  the  index  finger,  a lawyer  wearing  the  garnet, 
a doctor  of  medicine  the  emerald,  a pharmacist  the  topaz,  and  a doctor  of  engineering 
the  sapphire. 

The  life  of  the  country  people  is  very  simple,  especially  among  the  poorer  classes, 
who,  however,  seem  quite  content  with  their  modest  possessions,  and  happy,  so  long  as 
there  is  farinha  to  eat  and  wine  to  drink ; for  no  family  is  too  poor  to  afford  these  Brazilian 
necessaries.  Farinha  is  to  them  what  flour  is  to  the  North  Americans,  and  is  used  in  as 
many  different  preparations  of  food.  The  drink  of  the  poor  as  well  as  the  rich,  at  meals,  is 
wine,  the  quality,  of  course,  varying  according  to  the  means  of  the  purchaser;  the  servant 
in  the  kitchen  of  a family  is  allowed  wine  with  meals,  though  drinking  at  any  other  time  of 
the  day  is  not  customary,  the  Brazilians  being  a very  temperate  people,  and  drunkenness 
practically  unknown  among  them.  In  some  districts  they  still  refer  to  one  of  their  com- 
rades who  has  been  drinking  too  much,  and  is  intoxicated,  as  “bem  Inglez,”  which  means 
“quite  English.”  The  amusements  of  the  poorer  classes  are  principally  of  a sentimental 
character,  some  of  the  native  dances  being  very  popular  at  their  “fiestas,”  as  is  also  the 
music  of  their  modinhas , or  ballads.  The  “lundu”  is  a dance  of  negro  origin,  which  is 
known  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  song  that  accompanies  it  is  teasing,  impudent, 
and  daring,  with  frequent  appeals  to  Saint  Anthony,  who  is  the  accepted  guardian  of  the 
negro’s  affairs. 

Most  pleasing  of  all  to  one  who  loves  Brazil  is  the  return  after  a few  years’  absence  to 
find  that  optimistic  prophecies  have  been  more  than  fulfilled,  and  that  the  country  and  its 
twenty-five  million  people  have  awakened  universal  interest,  foreign  powers  recognizing  as 
never  before  the  high  destiny  in  evidence  for  this  great  nation.  Statesmen  who  have 
visited  Brazil  and  studied  its  political  and  social  conditions  are  united  in  expressions  of 
confidence  regarding  its  promising  future.  Hon.  John  Barrett,  the  Director  of  the  Inter- 
national Bureau  of  American  Republics,  is  enthusiastic  over  the  progress  this  country  has 
made  in  recent  years,  and  his  residence  in  South  America  especially  qualifies  him  to  speak 
with  authority.  Every  foreign  visitor  of  distinction  has  words  in  praise  of  the  social  qualities 
of  the  Brazilian  people.  Courtesy  finds  its  gentlest  expression  here;  hospitality  knows  no 
more  congenial  atmosphere;  and  there  does  not  exist  in  all  the  world  a better  example 
of  what  politeness  signifies  than  is  to  be  seen  in  the  manner  and  speech  of  a typical 
Brazilian  lady  or  gentleman. 

The  inspired  patriot  and  poet  exile  who  pined  in  foreign  countries  for  a glimpse  of  his 
own  beautiful  blue  skies  gives  the  fairest  picture  of  her  charms  in  the  Song  of  the  Exile, 


494 


THE  NEW  BRAZIL 


which  has  been  translated  into  English  by  an  exile  from  another  land ; the  full  significance 
of  its  beautiful  and  touching  sentiment  is  felt  by  everyone  who  knows  and  loves  Brazil : 

“ Mine  is  the  country  where  the  palm  trees  rear 
Their  stately  heads  toward  the  azure  sky, 

And  where,  in  accents  ever  soft  and  clear, 

The  sabia  sings  her  hymn  of  melody; 

Here,  in  my  exile,  say  what  warblers  rare 
Can  with  the  sabia’s  notes  their  own  compare? 

“ Our  skies  are  strewn  with  stars,  our  fields  with  flowers, 

Our  woods  resound  with  bird  and  insect  life, 

Our  life’s  a dream  of  love  in  fairy  bowers, 

Where  Nature’s  lavish  gifts  are  ever  rife: 

Bright  land  of  palms ! where  the  sweet  sabia  sings, 

The  exile’s  heart  to  thee  still  fondly  dings.” 


THE  AMAZON. 


, 


3 3125  00035  5384 


